Dead Souls. By Nikolai Gogol FULL Audiobook
Here's a detailed summary of "Dead Souls" by Nikolai Gogol:
Overview:
"Dead Souls" is a novel that straddles the line between epic poem and prose. Although initially referred to as an "epic poem in prose," most critics and scholars now recognize it as a novel. Written by Nikolai Gogol and published in 1842, this work serves as an absurdist social satire set in imperial Russia before the emancipation of the serfs. Through wit and humor, Gogol exposes the foibles and customs of the Russian nobility.
Plot Summary:
The central character is Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, an itinerant mid-rank bureaucrat who harbors a desperate desire to amass wealth. However, his approach is far from conventional. Chichikov's scheme involves purchasing peasants who have died since the last census. These deceased serfs exist only on paper, making them "dead souls." His plan is to mortgage these "dead souls" and thereby accumulate riches.
Throughout the narrative, Gogol employs an intrusive and digressive narrator who provides commentary on each character, the text's structure, and Chichikov's suitability as a protagonist. The novel unfolds as Chichikov embarks on his peculiar quest, encountering various landowners and navigating the complexities of Russian society.
Themes and Satire:
Gogol's portrayal of the Russian nobility is both incisive and humorous. He depicts nobles who prioritize French over Russian, daydream instead of managing their estates effectively, and remain blinded by their rank and status. Their inability to discern a con artist adds to the satirical flavor of the work.
Incomplete Trilogy:
Originally intended as a trilogy, "Dead Souls" remains incomplete. Tragically, Gogol burned the original conclusion to the second part before his death in 1852. As a result, the novel concludes abruptly, leaving readers with lingering questions and a sense of incompleteness.
Legacy and Influence:
Nikolai Gogol, born in 1809 in what is now Ukraine, became renowned as a satirist. His fame grew with works like "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka" (1831) and the play "The Government Inspector" (1836). Alongside literary giants such as Pushkin, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy, Gogol's legacy endures.
In summary, "Dead Souls" offers a biting critique of Russian society, blending absurdity, wit, and social commentary. Chichikov's quest for wealth through "dead souls" serves as a lens through which Gogol exposes the quirks and contradictions of his era.
For more in-depth analysis and exploration of the novel, consider referring to the full study guide. 📚.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:14:24 Author’s Preface to the First Portion of This Work
00:22:55 Dead Souls. Part I
00:56:38 II
01:51:41 III
02:48:06 IV
04:00:24 V
04:50:24 VI
05:24:32 VII
06:12:41 VIII
06:56:15 IX
07:20:00 X
07:50:13 XI
09:17:42 Part II. I
10:33:34 I
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