Analysis of the image of landowners in the poem "Dead Souls". Images of landowners in the poem “Dead Souls” by Gogol

Images of landowners and their comparison with Chichikov (“Based on the poem “Dead Souls”)

"Dead Souls" is one of the brightest works of Russian and world literature, the pinnacle of art. Gogol's mastery. One of the main themes in Gogol's TV is Yavl. theme about the Russian landowner class, about the Russian nobility as the ruling class, about its fate and role in public life. It is characteristic that the main way of depicting landowners in Ggol is yavl. satire. The images of landowners reflect the process of gradual gradation of the landowner class, revealing all its faults and shortcomings. Gogol’s satire is colored with irony and “hits right in the forehead.” Gogol’s laughter seems good-natured, but he spares no one, every phrase has a deep, hidden meaning, subtext. The poem is structured as the story of the adventures of Chichikov, an official who buys up “dead souls.” The composition of the poem allowed the author to talk about different landowners and their villages. Gogol creates five characters, five portraits that are so different from each other, and at the same time, in each of them the typical features of a Russian landowner appear. Our acquaintance begins with Manilov and ends with Plyushkin. This sequence has its own logic: from one landowner to another the process of impoverishment deepens human personality, is developing more and more scary picture disintegration of serf society

Manilov (I chapter) opens a portrait gallery of landowners. His character is already evident in his surname itself. The description begins with a picture of the village of Manilovka, which “could lure few with its location.” The author ironically describes the manor's courtyard, with the pretense of an "English garden with an overgrown pond", sparse with bushes and with a pale inscription "Temple of Solitary Reflection." Speaking about Manilov, the author exclaims: “God alone could say what Manilov’s character was.” He is kind by nature, polite, courteous, but all this took on ugly forms in him. Manilov is beautiful-hearted and sentimental to the point of cloying. Relations between people seem to him idyllic and festive. Manilov did not know life at all; reality was replaced by empty fantasy. He loved to think and dream, sometimes even about things useful for the peasants. But his spotlight was far from the demands of life. He did not know about the real needs of the peasants and never thought about them. (or M. lives in illusory world, and the process of fantasy itself gives him great pleasure; he is a sentimental dreamer, incapable of practical action)
Manilov considers himself a bearer of spiritual culture. Once in the army he was considered the most educated man. The author speaks ironically about the situation in Manilov’s house, in which “something was always missing,” and about his sugary relationship with his wife. At the time of the conversation about dead souls, Manilov was compared to an overly smart minister. In comparison with other landowners, Manilov indeed seems to be an enlightened person, but this is only one appearance

The third chapter of the poem is devoted to the image of Korobochka, which Gogol classifies as one of those “small landowners who complain about crop failures, losses and keep their heads somewhat to one side, and meanwhile little by little collect money in colorful bags placed in the drawers of the chest of drawers!” (or M. and Korobochka are in some way antipodes: Manilov’s vulgarity is hidden behind high phases, behind discussions about the good of the Motherland, and in Korobochka spiritual poverty appears in its natural form. Korobochka does not pretend to high culture: its entire appearance emphasizes a very unpretentious simplicity. This is emphasized by Gogol in the heroine’s appearance: he points out her shabby and unattractive appearance. This simplicity reveals itself in relationships with people. the main objective her life is the consolidation of her wealth, incessant accumulation. It is no coincidence that Chichikov sees traces of skillful management in her estate. This economy reveals her inner insignificance. She has no feelings other than the desire to acquire and benefit. The situation with “dead souls” is confirmation. Korobochka sells to peasants with the same efficiency with which she sells other items of her household. For her there is no difference between an animate and an inanimate being. There is only one thing that frightens her in Chichikov’s proposal: the prospect of missing something, not taking what can be obtained for “dead souls.” Korobochka is not going to give them up to Chichikov on the cheap. Gogol awarded her the epithet “club-headed.”) This money comes from the sale of a wide variety of nat products. households Korobochka understood the benefits of trade and, after much persuasion, agrees to sell such an unusual product as dead souls

When moving to the image of Nozdryov, Gogol emphasizes the contrast between him and the box. In contrast to the immobile landowner, Nozdryov is distinguished by his daring and “broad scope of nature.” He is mobile, ready to do any business, without thinking about what, but all his activity is devoid of ideas and goals. Therefore, all his impulses end as easily as they begin, without any positive results: “Everything ends either in trifles, or in all kinds of stories.” . His activity is aimed at burning life. He is a carouser and a reckless driver. Nozdryov finds himself everywhere where the pleasures of life can await him. Unlike Korobochka, Nozdryov is not prone to petty hoarding. His ideal is people who always know how to have fun through life, unencumbered by any worries. In the chapter about Nozdryov there are few details reflecting the life of his serfs, but the description of the landowner itself provides comprehensive information about this, since for Nozdryov serfs and property are equivalent concepts. Both are a source of burning life. Wherever Nozdryov appears, there is chaos, a scandal. In Nozdryov’s understanding, his life is filled with meaning. In this respect, he resembles Manilov, but differs in that he likes to lie and embellish. In a conversation with Chichikov, he brags about absolutely everything: a stallion, a pond, a dog, and he simply does not exhaust himself in his lies. A lie for the sake of the lie itself. In relations with people, Nozdryov is free from any norms and principles. He easily gets along with people, but does not remain true to his word, not to anyone else. In Nozdryov’s desire to cause discord in someone else’s life, one can feel the desire to harm everyone. As a result, all the versatility of the hero is devoid of any positive beginning. Gogol called Nozdryov a “historical man.” (“Nozdryov was in some respects a historical man”) Not a single meeting where he was present was complete without stories.

Unlike Nozdryov, Sobakevich cannot be considered a person with his head in the clouds. This hero stands firmly on the ground, does not indulge himself with illusions, soberly evaluates people and life, knows how to act and achieve what he wants. When characterizing his life, Gogol notes the thoroughness and fundamental nature of everything. These are natural features of Sobakevich’s life. He and the furnishings of his house bear the stamp of clumsiness and ugliness. Physical strength and clumsiness appear in the appearance of the hero himself. "He looked like average size bear," Gogol writes about him. The animal nature predominates in Sobakevich. He is devoid of any spiritual needs, far from daydreaming, philosophizing and noble impulses of the soul. The meaning of his life is to satiate his stomach. He himself has a negative attitude towards everything that connected with culture and enlightenment: “Enlightenment is a harmful invention.” In him, a landowner and a hoarder coexist. Unlike Korobochka, he understands the environment well and understands the time in which he lives, knows the people. Unlike other landowners, he immediately. understood the essence of Chichikov. Sobakevich is a cunning rogue, an arrogant businessman, who is difficult to deceive and evaluates everything around him only from the point of view of his own benefit. His conversation with Chichikov reveals the psychology of a kulak who knows how to force peasants to work for themselves and extract maximum benefit from it. He is straightforward, quite rude and does not believe in anything. Unlike Manilov, in his perception all people are robbers, scoundrels, fools. (Everything in Sobakevich’s house was surprisingly reminiscent of himself. Each thing seemed to say: “And I, too, Sobakevich”
The last landowner whom Chichikov visits, Plyushkin, is similar in aspirations to K. and S., but his desire for hoarding takes on the character of a comprehensive passion. His only purpose in life is to accumulate things. As a result, he does not distinguish the important, the necessary from the trifles, the useful from the unimportant. Everything he comes across is of interest. Plyushkin becomes a slave to things. The thirst for hoarding pushes him along the path of all sorts of restrictions. But he himself does not experience any unpleasant sensations from this. Unlike other landowners, his life story is given in full. She reveals the origins of his passion. The greater the thirst for hoarding becomes, the more insignificant his life becomes. At a certain stage of degradation, Plyushkin ceases to feel the need to communicate with people. He began to perceive his children as plunderers of his property, not experiencing any joy when meeting them. As a result, he found himself completely alone. Gogol dwells in detail on the description of the situation of the peasants of this rich landowner. *************************************** **********************************Chichikov

In "M.d." Gogol typifies the images of Russian landowners, officials and peasants. The only person who stands out big picture Russian life- This is Chichikov. Revealing his image, the author tells about his origin and the formation of his character. Chichikov is a character whose life story is given in every detail. From the eleventh chapter we learn that Pavlusha belonged to a poor noble family. His father left him an inheritance of half a copper and a covenant to study diligently, please teachers and bosses and, most importantly, to take care and save a penny. Chichikov quickly realized that all lofty concepts only interfere with the achievement of his cherished goal. He makes his way in life through his own efforts, without relying on anyone’s patronage. He builds his well-being at the expense of other people: deception, bribery, embezzlement, fraud at customs - the main character’s tools. No setbacks can break his thirst for profit. And every time he commits unseemly acts, he easily finds excuses for himself.
With each chapter we see more and more new possibilities for Chichikov: with Manilov he is cloyingly amiable, with Korobochka he is petty-insistent and rude, with Nozdryov he is assertive and cowardly, with Sobakevich he bargains insidiously and relentlessly, Plyushkina conquers with his “generosity.”
But let us pay special attention to those moments of the poem where Chichikov does not need to disguise himself and change himself for the sake of adaptation, where he is left alone with himself. While inspecting the city of N, our hero “teared off a poster nailed to a post so that when he got home he could read it thoroughly,” and after reading it, “folded it neatly and put it in his little chest, where he used to put everything he came across.” This collection of unnecessary things, careful storage of rubbish vividly resembles Plyushkin’s habits. Chichikov and Manilov are brought together by uncertainty, due to which all assumptions about him turn out to be equally possible. Nozdryov notices that Chichikov is similar to Sobakevich: “No straightforwardness, no sincerity! Perfect Sobakevich.” Chichikov’s character contains Manilov’s love for phrases, Korobochka’s pettiness, Nozdrev’s narcissism, Sobakevich’s rude tight-fistedness, cold cynicism, and Plyushkin’s greed. It is easy for Chichikov to turn out to be a mirror of any of these interlocutors, because he has all the qualities that form the basis of their characters. Still, Chichikov differs from his counterparts on the estates; he is a man of new times, a businessman and acquirer, and has everything necessary qualities: "Her pleasantness in turns and actions, and glibness in business games", but he is also a "dead soul", because the joy of life is inaccessible to him.
Chichikov knows how to adapt to any world, even his appearance is such that it will suit any situation: “not handsome, but not bad-looking either,” “not too fat, not too thin,” “middle-aged man” - everything about him is vague, nothing stands out.
The idea of ​​success, enterprise, and practicality overshadow all human motives in him. The "selflessness", patience and strength of character of the protagonist allow him to constantly be reborn and show enormous energy to achieve his goal.
Chichikov is forced to flee the city, but this time he achieved his goal, moved one step closer to his faceless “happiness”, and everything else is no longer important to him.

The work of Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol “ Dead Souls"is one of the most striking works of the author. This poem, the plot of which is related to the description of Russian reality of the 19th century, is of great value for Russian literature. It was also significant for Gogol himself. No wonder he called it a “national poem” and explained that in this way he tried to expose the shortcomings Russian Empire, and then change the appearance of their homeland for the better.

The birth of the genre

The idea for Gogol to write “Dead Souls” was suggested to the author by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. At first, the work was conceived as a light humorous novel. However, after work began on the work “Dead Souls,” the genre in which the text was originally intended to be presented was changed.

The fact is that Gogol considered the plot to be very original and gave the presentation a different, more deep meaning. As a result, a year after the start of work on the work “Dead Souls,” its genre became more extensive. The author decided that his brainchild should become nothing more than a poem.

Main idea

The writer divided his work into 3 parts. In the first of them, he decided to point out all the shortcomings that took place in his contemporary society. In the second part, he planned to show how the process of correcting people takes place, and in the third - the lives of heroes who have already changed for the better.

In 1841, Gogol completed writing the first volume of Dead Souls. The plot of the book shocked the entire reading country, causing a lot of controversy. After the release of the first part, the author began work on a continuation of his poem. However, he was never able to finish what he started. The second volume of the poem seemed imperfect to him, and nine days before his death he burned the only copy of the manuscript. Only drafts of the first five chapters have been preserved for us, which today are considered a separate work.

Unfortunately, the trilogy remained unfinished. But the poem “Dead Souls” should have had significant meaning. Its main purpose was to describe the movement of the soul, which went through a fall, purification, and then rebirth. The main character of the poem, Chichikov, had to go through this path to the ideal.

Plot

The story told in the first volume of the poem “Dead Souls” takes us to the nineteenth century. It tells the story of a journey across Russia undertaken by the main character, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, to acquire so-called dead souls from landowners. The plot of the work provides the reader with full picture morals and life of the people of that time.

Let's look at the chapters of "Dead Souls" with their plot in a little more detail. This will give general idea about a brilliant literary work.

Chapter first. Start

Where does the work “Dead Souls” begin? The topic raised in it describes the events that took place at a time when the French were finally expelled from Russian territory.

At the beginning of the story, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, who held the position of collegiate adviser, arrived in one of the provincial cities. When analyzing “Dead Souls,” the image of the main character becomes clear. The author shows him as a middle-aged man with an average build and good appearance. Pavel Ivanovich is extremely inquisitive. Situations arise when one can even talk about his intrusiveness and annoyingness. So, from the tavern servant he is interested in the owner’s income, and also tries to find out about all the city officials and the most noble landowners. He is also interested in the state of the region to which he came.

A collegiate advisor does not sit alone. He visits all officials, finding the right approach to them and choosing words that are pleasant for people. That is why they treat him just as well, which even surprises Chichikov a little, who has experienced many negative reactions towards himself and even survived an assassination attempt.

The main purpose of Pavel Ivanovich’s visit was to find a place for quiet life. To do this, while attending a party in the governor’s house, he meets two landowners - Manilov and Sobakevich. At a dinner with the police chief, Chichikov became friends with the landowner Nozdryov.

Chapter two. Manilov

The continuation of the plot is connected with Chichikov’s trip to Manilov. The landowner met the official on the threshold of his estate and led him into the house. The road to Manilov's home lay among gazebos on which signs were posted indicating that these were places for reflection and solitude.

When analyzing “Dead Souls,” one can easily characterize Manilov based on this decoration. This is a landowner who has no problems, but at the same time is too cloying. Manilov says that the arrival of such a guest is comparable to a sunny day and the happiest holiday. He invites Chichikov to dinner. Present at the table are the mistress of the estate and the two sons of the landowner - Themistoclus and Alcides.

After a hearty lunch, Pavel Ivanovich decides to talk about the reason that brought him to these parts. Chichikov wants to buy peasants who have already died, but their death has not yet been reflected in the audit certificate. His goal is to draw up all the documents, supposedly these peasants are still alive.

How does Manilov react to this? He has dead souls. However, the landowner is initially surprised by this proposal. But then he agrees to the deal. Chichikov leaves the estate and goes to Sobakevich. Meanwhile, Manilov begins to dream about how Pavel Ivanovich will live next door to him and what kind of good friends they will be after he moves.

Chapter three. Getting to know the Box

On the way to Sobakevich, Selifan (Chichikov’s coachman) accidentally missed the right turn. And then it began to rain heavily, and Chichikov fell into the mud. All this forces the official to look for accommodation for the night, which he found with the landowner Nastasya Petrovna Korobochka. Analysis of “Dead Souls” indicates that this lady is afraid of everything and everyone. However, Chichikov did not waste time and offered to purchase the deceased peasants from her. At first the old woman was intractable, but after the visiting official promised to buy everything from her lard and hemp (but next time), she agrees.

The deal was completed. The box treated Chichikov to pancakes and pies. Pavel Ivanovich, having eaten a hearty meal, moved on. And the landowner began to worry very much that she did not take enough money for the dead souls.

Chapter Four. Nozdryov

After visiting Korobochka, Chichikov drove onto the main road. He decided to visit a tavern he came across along the way to have a little snack. And here the author wanted to give this action some mystery. He does lyrical digressions. In “Dead Souls” he reflects on the properties of appetite inherent in people like the main character of his work.

While in the tavern, Chichikov meets Nozdryov. The landowner complained that he lost money at the fair. Then they follow to Nozdryov’s estate, where Pavel Ivanovich intends to make good money.

By analyzing “Dead Souls,” you can understand what Nozdryov is like. This is a person who really loves all kinds of stories. He tells them everywhere he goes. After a hearty lunch, Chichikov decides to bargain. However, Pavel Ivanovich can neither beg for dead souls nor buy them. Nozdryov sets his own conditions, which consist of an exchange or purchase in addition to something. The landowner even suggests using dead souls as bets in the game.

Serious disagreements arise between Chichikov and Nozdrev, and they postpone the conversation until the morning. The next day the men agreed to play checkers. However, Nozdryov tried to deceive his opponent, which was noticed by Chichikov. In addition, it turned out that the landowner was on trial. And Chichikov had no choice but to run when he saw the police captain.

Chapter Five. Sobakevich

Sobakevich continues the images of landowners in Dead Souls. It is to him that Chichikov comes to him after Nozdryov. The estate he visited was a match for its owner. Just as strong. The owner treats the guest to dinner, talking during the meal about city officials, calling them all swindlers.

Chichikov talks about his plans. They did not frighten Sobakevich at all, and the men quickly moved on to concluding the deal. However, here troubles began for Chichikov. Sobakevich began to bargain, talking about the most best qualities already deceased peasants. However, Chichikov does not need such characteristics, and he insists on his own. And here Sobakevich begins to hint at the illegality of such a deal, threatening to tell anyone about it. Chichikov had to agree to the price offered by the landowner. They sign the document, still fearing a trick from each other.

There are lyrical digressions in “Dead Souls” in the fifth chapter. The author ends the story about Chichikov’s visit to Sobakevich with discussions about the Russian language. Gogol emphasizes the diversity, strength and richness of the Russian language. Here he points out the peculiarity of our people to give everyone nicknames associated with various offenses or the course of circumstances. They do not leave their owner until his death.

Chapter six. Plyushkin

Very interesting hero is Plyushkin. "Dead Souls" shows him as a very greedy person. The landowner does not even throw away his old sole that has fallen off his boot and carries it into the already quite decent pile of similar rubbish.

However, Plyushkin sells dead souls very quickly and without bargaining. Pavel Ivanovich is very happy about this and refuses the tea with crackers offered by the owner.

Chapter seven. Deal

Having achieved his initial goal, Chichikov is sent to finally resolve the issue in civil chamber. Manilov and Sobakevich had already arrived in the city. The chairman agrees to become the attorney for Plyushkin and all other sellers. The deal took place, and champagne was opened for the health of the new landowner.

Chapter eight. Gossip. Ball

The city began to discuss Chichikov. Many decided that he was a millionaire. Girls began to go crazy for him and send love messages. Once at the governor's ball, he literally finds himself in the arms of the ladies. However, his attention is attracted by a sixteen-year-old blonde. At this time, Nozdryov comes to the ball, loudly inquiring about the purchase of dead souls. Chichikov had to leave in complete confusion and sadness.

Chapter Nine. Profit or love?

At this time, the landowner Korobochka arrived in the city. She decided to clarify whether she had made a mistake with the cost of dead souls. The news about the amazing purchase and sale becomes the property of the city residents. People believe that dead souls are a cover for Chichikov, but in fact he dreams of taking away the blonde he likes, who is the daughter of the governor.

Chapter ten. Versions

The city literally came to life. News appears one after another. In them we're talking about about the appointment of a new governor, about the presence of supporting papers about false banknotes, about an insidious robber who escaped from the police, etc. Many versions arise, and they all relate to Chichikov’s personality. The excitement of people negatively affects the prosecutor. He dies from the blow.

Chapter Eleven. Purpose of the event

Chichikov does not know what the city is talking about about him. He goes to the governor, but he is not received there. In addition, the people he met on the way shy away from the official different sides. Everything becomes clear after Nozdryov arrives at the hotel. The landowner tries to convince Chichikov that he tried to help him kidnap the governor’s daughter.

And here Gogol decides to talk about his hero and why Chichikov buys dead souls. The author tells the reader about his childhood and schooling, where Pavel Ivanovich already showed the ingenuity given to him by nature. Gogol also talks about Chichikov’s relationships with his comrades and teachers, about his service and work in the commission located in a government building, as well as about his transfer to serve in customs.

The analysis of “Dead Souls” clearly indicates the inclinations of the protagonist, which he used to complete his deal described in the work. After all, in all his places of work, Pavel Ivanovich managed to make a lot of money by concluding fake contracts and conspiracies. In addition, he did not disdain working with smuggling. In order to avoid criminal punishment, Chichikov resigned. Having switched to work as an attorney, he immediately formed an insidious plan in his head. Chichikov wanted to purchase dead souls in order to pawn them, as if they were alive, in the treasury in order to receive money. Next in his plans was the purchase of a village in order to provide for future offspring.

In part, Gogol justifies his hero. He considers him the owner, who with his mind has built such an interesting chain of transactions.

Images of landowners

These heroes of Dead Souls are especially vividly presented in five chapters. Moreover, each of them is dedicated to only one landowner. There is a certain pattern in the placement of chapters. The images of the landowners of “Dead Souls” are arranged in them according to the degree of their degradation. Let's remember who was the first of them? Manilov. “Dead Souls” describes this landowner as a lazy and dreamy, sentimental and practically unadapted person to life. This is confirmed by many details, for example, a farm that has fallen into disrepair and a house standing in the south, open to all winds. The author, using the amazing artistic power of the word, shows his reader the deadness of Manilov and his worthlessness life path. After all, behind external attractiveness there is a spiritual emptiness.

What other vivid images were created in the work “Dead Souls”? The heroic landowners in the image of Korobochka are people who are focused only on their farm. It is not without reason that at the end of the third chapter the author draws an analogy between this landowner and all aristocratic ladies. The box is distrustful and stingy, superstitious and stubborn. In addition, she is narrow-minded, petty and narrow-minded.

Next in terms of degree of degradation comes Nozdryov. Like many other landowners, he does not change with age, not even trying to develop internally. The image of Nozdryov represents a portrait of a reveler and a braggart, a drunkard and a cheater. This landowner is passionate and energetic, but all his positive traits are wasted. The image of Nozdryov is as typical as that of previous landowners. And this is emphasized by the author in his statements.

Describing Sobakevich, Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol resorts to comparing him with a bear. In addition to clumsiness, the author describes his parodically inverted heroic power, earthiness and rudeness.

But the extreme degree of degradation is described by Gogol in the image of the richest landowner in the province - Plyushkin. During his biography, this man went from a thrifty owner to a half-crazy miser. And it was not social conditions. Plyushkin's moral decline provoked loneliness.

Thus, all landowners in the poem “Dead Souls” are united by such traits as idleness and inhumanity, as well as spiritual emptiness. And he contrasts this world of truly “dead souls” with faith in the inexhaustible potential of the “mysterious” Russian people. It is not for nothing that at the end of the work the image of an endless road along which a trio of birds rushes appears. And in this movement the writer’s confidence in the possibility of the spiritual transformation of humanity and in the great destiny of Russia is manifested.

1. Most interesting place in the poem there are chapters dedicated to five landowners.
2. The image of Manilov.
3. Image of the Box.
4. The image of Sobakevich.
5. Image of Nozdryov!
6. The image of Plyushkin.
7. The role of images of landowners in the novel.

The most interesting place in I. V. Gogol’s poem “Dead Souls” is the chapters dedicated to five landowners: Manilov, Korobochka, Nozdryov, Sobakevich and Plyushkin. It is easy to notice that the chapters are arranged in a special sequence: from the least to the greatest degree of degradation of the characters.

The surname of the landowner Manilov is derived from the verb “to beckon.” The main features of this character are daydreaming, sentimentality and laziness. Gogol characterizes his hero as follows: “... a so-so person, neither this nor that, neither in the city of Bogdan, nor in the village of Selifan.” Manilov's house is located on the Jurassic, which is blown by all the winds, which speaks of his frivolity and inability to think realistically. The landowner loves to indulge in his dreams in the gazebo, on which there is an inscription: “Temple of Solitary Reflection.” This is the only thing discreet place for Manilov, where he can calmly fantasize about some completely unrealistic projects. But, it seems to him, digging an underground passage from the house or building a stone bridge across a pond are completely normal ideas. Housekeeping is not Manilov’s thing. Everything is going wrong on his estate, and the hero doesn’t even care about it.

Gogol says that Manilov’s hospitality and good looks are too cloying: “In the first minute of conversation with him, you can’t help but say: “What a pleasant and a kind person! The next time... you won’t say anything, and the third time you’ll say: “The devil knows what it is!” - and move away!..” This is manifested not only in the manners of the landowner, but also in his relationship with his wife. They lisp with each other all the time, and this greatly amuses the author.

The image of this hero has become one of the key ones for literature. From him came the name of such a phenomenon as “Manilovism”, which means the unnaturalness of a person.

Another no less striking character in the story is the landowner Korobochka. Her surname was chosen by Gogol not by chance. By nature, the landowner is immensely economical and superstitious. Korobochka is the type of woman who can cry about a bad harvest, but still always saves a pretty penny for herself. Her chest of drawers, in addition to all sorts of nonsense, is filled with bags of money. Korobochka is very petty, she only cares about housekeeping, and in it she sees the meaning of life. Gogol gives her entourage “animal” surnames: Bobrov and Svinin, which once again emphasizes that the heroine is passionate only about her estate. The author highlights his cudgel-headedness among other “advantages” of his character. Korobochka demonstrates this quality in a situation when Chichikov tries to negotiate with her about the sale of “dead souls.” The heroine thinks that her interlocutor is going to dig them out of the graves dead peasants. She is in no hurry to sell her “wealth”, but instead tries to slip hemp and honey. Korobochka agrees to Chichikov's proposal only after he mentions the devil.

The next landowner whom Chichikov visited was Sobakevich. His image was composed by N.V. Gogol from everything big: big boots, cheesecakes “much larger than a plate,” “a turkey the size of a calf.” Even this character’s health is heroic. Thanks to such descriptions, the author achieves a comic effect. By parading the great exploits of the heroes, Gogol thereby emphasizes the true essence of Sobakevich himself, whose main qualities can be called rudeness and clumsiness. All the objects in the house are as bulky and clumsy as their owner: a table, chairs, a wooden bureau - everything seems to shout: “And I, too, are Sobakevich!” In his opinion, everyone around is liars and the last scammers. The human soul is not at all important to him; Sobakevich’s interest lies only in money.

From all of the above, we can conclude that Sobakevich is one of the most “dead souls” of the poem. There is nothing spiritual for him. The only things valuable to this hero are money and things. He is only interested in “earthly” matters.

The most striking character, in my opinion, is Nozdryov. This is the image of an inveterate reveler. The author is ironic about his character, speaking of him as a “historical” person. In relation to his hero, Gogol uses figurative sense this word. Nozdrev’s “historicism” lies in the fact that he always ends up in some kind of story: he either gets drunk at a buffet, or mercilessly lies about the supposedly purchased horse. Like any rake, he adores women. But the most important feature of Nozdryov’s character is the great desire to “spoil one’s neighbor.” Not once did he commit vile acts. For example, he told fictitious stories, disrupted a wedding, upset a trade deal, etc. But the most outstanding thing about his character is that after all his tricks, without a twinge of conscience, he continued to consider himself a comrade of the victim.

According to tradition, in the poem the furnishings in the house of each landowner correspond to the character of its owner. So Nozdryov’s home is imbued with the spirit of excitement and boasting. According to Nozdryov himself, in his domain there was once “a fish of such size that two people could hardly pull it out.” Its walls are haphazardly covered in paint, as the men whitewash them. His office, instead of books and papers, is filled with weapons. Nozdryov likes to exchange some things for others, not because of money or some other material interest, but simply because he is fascinated by this process. Since all kinds of tricks are the main passion of the character, it is not difficult for him to fool Chichikov, whom Nozdryov gets drunk and tries to deceive in a game of checkers.

What else can be said about Nozdrev? His description will tell everything much better: “...he sometimes returned home with only his sideburns, and then quite runny. But his healthy and full cheeks were so well created and contained so much plant power that his sideburns soon grew back, even better than before.”

And the final image in the gallery of Russian “dead souls” is a landowner named Plyushkin. As you know, in the poem all the names are speaking. Only “Plyushkin” is given in a figurative meaning. It looks more like a completely dried out cracker rather than a bun. The image of the landowner Plyushkin is very sloppy. Gogol mentions his double chin, which has to be constantly covered, as well as about a greasy robe, which evokes nothing but disgust in the reader. The author gives his hero a very succinct definition: “a hole in humanity.” This character is a symbol of the decadent mood and decay of all living things. And again the house speaks for its owner: the bread in the storerooms is rotting, the gates and fences are covered with mold, and the roofs in the huts are completely leaky. Gogol adds short story about the fate of his hero, whose wife first died, and after that his daughter ran away with the headquarters captain. These events became for Plyushkin last moments real life. After this, time stopped for the hero.

All images of N.V. Gogol are very bright and unique in their own way. But there is one the main idea which unites them. The author, showing clear examples of the degradation of humanity, urges readers not to become a “dead soul,” but to always remain “alive.”

A short essay-discussion on the topic Artistic Rus' in the poem “Dead Souls”, the image of Russia, “Russia of Dead Souls”, images of landowners and officials

The poem “Dead Souls” is one of the most significant works of Russian literature. Gogol masterfully reflected the problems of Russia, its vices and shortcomings. He identified unique types of people who have a special National character. The writer’s goal was to “illuminate a picture taken from a despicable life,” and he succeeded. Therefore, Russia, the homeland of dead souls, became the most vivid and realistic image in the work.

The author decided to show the degradation of Russia using the example of the nobility - the main supporting class of the state. If even the nobles are dead souls, what can we say about the other, lower strata of society who look to the courtiers and landowners as examples to follow? Description of vices " the best people Fatherland" the writer begins with the hypocritical and lazy dreamer Manilov. This inactive person squanders his fortune and does not justify his privileged position. Such people can only talk, but are not going to do anything for the good of their homeland, so they only take from Russia, but do not give it anything in return.

After Manilov, Gogol introduces us to the thrifty Korobochka. It would seem, what is the vice? A woman runs the house and works to the envy of everyone. However, a very strong vice is obvious in her - greed. Profit became the only meaning of life for her. For the sake of profit or out of greed, she kills more than one peasant to death, therefore her activities are worse than Manilov’s inactivity. It also kills the future of Russia, because Korobochki are desperate enemies of progress.

The ruined Nozdryov is the antithesis of Korobochka. This man has undermined the credibility of his class, because he has sunk to the extreme degree of dishonor. He wanders in the status of “a guest worse than a Tatar” and is forced to live at the mercy of other nobles. He squandered the property of his ancestors, leaving his descendants poor and disgraced. It was because of such frivolous and vicious people that Russia gradually became merchant, and not noble. The privileged class began to humiliate itself in front of uneducated and greedy traders.

Then the author depicted the type of economic landowner Sobakevich. However, he did not in a positive way. He turned out to be so narrow-minded and limited that after meeting his club-headed person it became clear: with such people Russia will not move forward and will not become better. They look into the past and are ready to stay in it forever.

The gallery of images of landowners in the poem “Dead Souls” is closed by the miser Plyushkin (), who embodies the extreme degradation of the human being: “A person could condescend to such insignificance, pettiness, disgusting!” - writes the author. Gogol. The landowner destroyed all the goods he had earned, drove away the children and starved the peasants to death with poverty. With such people, Russia is in danger of falling into the abyss.

In the poem, Gogol reveals the vices of the city, as well as the bureaucratic class, which represents the state and, in in this case, defames him. County officials N cities thought only about how to line their pockets and deceive the townspeople. They are all connected by a single criminal network that surrounds the city. Patriotism is alien to them, like other moral concepts. In depicting this, the author does not mean just one city, he means the whole of autocratic Russia.

The new type of person that Chichikov represents in the poem is hardly better than the old ones. As a bankrupt nobleman, he is forced to make a living through fraud. “It’s fairest,” writes Gogol, “to call him the owner-acquirer.” Chichikov's life credo is to save a penny. Therefore, the hero makes money in every possible way, not disdaining crime. Gogol also mercilessly ridicules the vices of this new type in order to prove that Russia is not on the same path with him.

Thus, Gogol described a gallery of images of landowners, revealing the pressing problems of the country. This is how the image of Russia in the poem “Dead Souls” was formed from fragments, an image long-suffering and deep, in need of change. And the author still hopes for a good future. The extraordinary potential of the Russian is manifested in the images of the “Yaroslavl efficient man”, the carpenter-hero Stepan Probka, the miracle shoemaker Makeich Telyatin, the carriage maker Mezheev. The people's love of freedom, their spiritual wealth, and their “lively and lively” mind give Gogol incentives to believe in his country and love it no matter what. Therefore, he compares Rus' with a flying " unstoppable threesome”, which is shunned by “other peoples and states”.

In the poem “Dead Souls,” Gogol created a picture of contemporary Russia that was extraordinary in scope and breadth, depicting it in all its grandeur, but at the same time with all its vices. He managed to immerse the reader into the depths of the souls of his heroes with such force that the work has not ceased to make a stunning impression on readers over the years. At the center of the poem's narrative is serf Rus', a country in which all the land with its riches, its people belonged to the ruling noble class. The nobility occupied a privileged position and was responsible for the economic and cultural development states. Representatives of this class are landowners, “masters” of life, owners of serf souls.

The gallery of images of landowners is opened by Manilov, whose estate is called the front facade landowner Russia. At the first meeting, this hero makes a pleasant impression of a cultured, delicate person. But even in this cursory author’s description one cannot help but notice the irony. In the appearance of this hero, a sugary sweetness clearly appears, as evidenced by the comparison of his eyes with sugar. Further, it becomes clear that under the pleasantly courteous behavior with people lies an empty soul. In the image of Manilov, many people are represented, about whom, according to Gogol, one can say: “people are so-so, neither this nor that, neither in the city of Bogdan nor in the village of Selifan.” They live in the countryside, have a penchant for refined, florid turns of speech, because they want to seem enlightened and highly educated people, look at everything with a calm gaze, and, smoking a pipe, dream of doing something good, for example, building a stone bridge across a pond and starting a there are benches on it. But all their dreams are meaningless and unrealizable. This is also evidenced by the description of Manilov’s estate, which is Gogol’s most important method of characterizing landowners: by the state of the estate one can judge the character of the owner. Manilov is not involved in farming: everything “went somehow by itself” for him; and his dreamy inaction is reflected in everything; an indefinite, light gray color predominates in the description of the landscape. Social events Manilov visits because other landowners visit them. The same is true in family life and in the house. The spouses love to kiss, give toothpick cases, and do not show much concern for landscaping: there is always some kind of drawback in their house, for example, if all the furniture is upholstered in dandy fabric, there will definitely be two chairs covered in canvas.

Manilov's character is expressed in his speech and in the way he behaves during the deal with Chichikov. When Chichikov suggested that Manilov sell him dead souls, he was at a loss. But, even realizing that the guest’s offer was clearly contrary to the law, he could not refuse such a pleasant person, and only began to think about “whether this negotiation would not be in accordance with civil regulations and future views of Russia?” The author does not hide the irony: a man who does not know how many peasants have died, who does not know how to organize his own economy, shows concern for politics. The surname Manilov corresponds to his character and was formed by the author from dialect word“manila” - one who beckons, promises and deceives, a flattering pleaser.

A different type of landowner appears before us in the image of Korobochka. Unlike Manilov, she is economical and practical, she knows the value of a penny. The description of her village suggests that she brought order to everyone. The net on the fruit trees and the cap on the scarecrow confirm that the housewife has her hands on everything and nothing goes to waste in her household. Looking around Korobochka's house, Chichikov notices that the wallpaper in the room is old and the mirrors are antique. But in front of everyone individual characteristics she is distinguished by the same vulgarity and “deadness” as Manilov. When selling an unusual product to Chichikov, she is afraid of selling it too cheap. After bargaining with Korobochka, Chichikov “was covered in sweat, like in a river: everything he was wearing, from his shirt to his stockings, was all wet.” The owner killed him with her cudgel-headedness, stupidity, stinginess and desire to delay the sale of unusual goods. “Perhaps merchants will come in large numbers, and I’ll adjust the prices,” she says to Chichikov. She looks at dead souls the same way as at lard, hemp or honey, thinking that they too may be needed on the farm.

On the high road, in a wooden tavern, I met Chichikov Nozdrev - “ historical person", whom I met back in the city. And it is in the tavern that you can most often meet such people, of whom, as the author notes, there are many in Rus'. Speaking about one hero, the author at the same time gives characteristics to people like him. The irony of the author lies in the fact that in the first part of the phrase he characterizes the Nozdrevs as “good and faithful comrades,” and then adds: “... and for all that, they can be beaten very painfully.” This type of people is known in Rus' under the name of the “broken fellow.” The third time they say “you” to an acquaintance, at fairs they buy everything that comes to mind: collars, smoking candles, a stallion, a dress for a nanny, tobacco, pistols, etc., thoughtlessly and easily spend money on carousing and card games, they like to lie and “mess up” a person for no reason. The source of his income, like that of other landowners, are serfs. Such qualities of Nozdryov as blatant lies, boorish attitude towards people, dishonesty, thoughtlessness, are reflected in his fragmentary, fast speech, in the fact that he constantly jumps from one subject to another, in his insulting, abusive, cynical expressions: “a kind of cattle breeder “,” “You’re a jerk for this,” “such rubbish.” He is constantly looking for adventure and does not do housework at all. This is evidenced by the unfinished repairs in the house, empty stalls, a faulty barrel organ, a lost britzka and the pitiful situation of his serfs, from whom he beats everything possible.

Nozdryov gives way to Sobakevich. This hero represents the type of landowners for whom everything is distinguished by good quality and durability. The character of Sobakevich helps to understand the description of his estate: an awkward house, full-weight and thick logs from which the stable, barn and kitchen are built, dense peasant huts, portraits in the rooms depicting “heroes with thick thighs and unheard-of mustaches,” a walnut bureau on absurd four legs. In a word, everything looks like its owner, whom the author compares to a “medium-sized bear,” emphasizing its animal essence. When depicting the image of Sobakevich, the writer widely uses the technique of hyperbolization; just remember his monstrous appetite. Landowners like Sobakevich are evil and cruel serf owners who never missed their profits. “Sobakevich’s soul seemed to be covered with such a thick shell that whatever was tossing and turning at the bottom of it did not produce absolutely any shock on the surface,” says the author. His body became incapable of expression emotional movements. In bargaining with Chichikov it is discovered main feature Sobakevich's character is his uncontrollable desire for profit.

The gallery of persons with whom Chichikov enters into transactions is completed by the landowner Plyushkin - “a hole in humanity.” Gogol notes that such a phenomenon is rare in Rus', where everything likes to unfold rather than shrink. The acquaintance with this hero is preceded by a landscape, the details of which reveal the soul of the hero. Dilapidated wooden buildings, dark old logs on the huts, roofs resembling a sieve, windows without glass, covered with rags, reveal Plyushkin as a bad owner with a deadened soul. But the picture of the garden, although dead and deaf, creates a different impression. When describing it, Gogol used happier and lighter colors - trees, “a regular sparkling marble column”, “air”, “cleanliness”, “neatness”... And through all this one can see the life of the owner himself, whose soul has faded away, like nature in the wilderness this garden.

In Plyushkin’s house, too, everything speaks of the spiritual disintegration of his personality: piled-up furniture, a broken chair, a dried lemon, a piece of rag, a toothpick... And he himself looks like an old housekeeper, only his gray eyes, like mice, dart from under his high eyebrows. Everything dies, rots and collapses around Plyushkin. The story of the transformation of a smart person into a “hole in humanity,” which the author introduces us to, leaves an indelible impression. Chichikov quickly finds mutual language with Plyushkin. The “patched” master only cares about one thing: how to avoid incurring losses when making a deed of sale.

However, in the chapter devoted to revealing Plyushkin’s character, there are many details that have a positive meaning. The chapter begins with a lyrical digression about youth; the author tells the story of the hero’s life; light colors predominate in the description of the garden; Plyushkin's eyes have not yet dimmed. On the hero’s wooden face you can still see “a flicker of joy” and a “warm ray.” All this suggests that Plyushkin, unlike other landowners, still has the possibility of moral revival. Plyushkin's soul was once pure, which means it can still be reborn. It is no coincidence that the “patched” master completes the gallery of images of “old world” landowners. The author sought not only to tell the story of Plyushkin, but also to warn readers that anyone could follow the path of this landowner. Gogol believed in the spiritual revival of Plyushkin, just as he believed in the strength of Russia and its people. This is confirmed by numerous lyrical digressions filled with deep lyricism and poetry.