A Review of Nikolai Gogol's Best Short Stories

Gogol's ability to create memorable characters also makes his short stories stand out. Characters like Akaky Akakievich in 'The Overcoat' are so well - drawn that they stay with the reader long after finishing the story. Their quirks, dreams, and tragedies are presented in a way that makes them seem both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time.

In 'The Nose', the main character is Kovalyov, a St. Petersburg official who wakes up one day to find his nose missing. His reaction to this absurd situation and his attempts to get his nose back are central to the story.

One common theme is the absurdity of human nature. Gogol often shows how people can be so self - centered and caught up in strange behaviors. For example, in 'The Nose', the nose detaches from the face and has its own social life, which is a satirical look at the social hierarchy and people's obsession with status.

In 'The Overcoat', Gogol uses a lot of detailed descriptions. For example, he vividly describes how Akaky Akakievich saves money for the overcoat. The overcoat itself is not just a piece of clothing but also a manifestation of the social hierarchy at that time. Poor people like Akaky have to struggle hard to afford something that seems basic to others. And when the overcoat is stolen, it's like his whole world collapses.

One of the main themes is poverty. Akaky Akakievich's poverty is central to the story. He can barely afford the basic necessities, and the overcoat becomes a luxury for him.

Gogol's best short stories often have vivid and eccentric characters. For example, in 'The Overcoat', the main character Akaky Akakievich is a meek and simple clerk. His obsession with his overcoat is both pitiful and somewhat absurd, which reflects the social hierarchy and people's material desires at that time.

In 'The Nose', the main character is a nose that magically detaches from a man's face and gains a life of its own. It's a very strange and surreal character that represents the absurdity of society.

One of the best Gogol short stories is 'The Overcoat'. It tells the story of a low - ranking clerk who is obsessed with getting a new overcoat. The story is a poignant exploration of the human condition in a bureaucratic society.

'The Carriage' is also a great one. It's a story that shows Gogol's ability to create complex characters. The main character in the story has his own set of quirks and the story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged.

Another great Gogol story is 'Diary of a Madman'. It gives us a peek into the mind of a man who is slowly going insane. Through his diary entries, we see his delusions and how he perceives the world around him. Gogol masterfully shows the breakdown of a person's mental state and the society's role in it.