The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol
Author: Nikolai Gogol | Published: 1836
The Overcoat Synopsis
The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol is a timeless classic that has been praised for its humor and insight. Written in 1842, the short story follows the life of Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin, a low-ranking government clerk who lives a mundane existence. Despite his meek and unremarkable lifestyle, he yearns for something more—an overcoat to replace his tattered old one and provide him with a sense of dignity. With no money to purchase such an item, he scrimps and saves until he can realize his dream.
However, once Akaky finally gets his new overcoat it brings him nothing but misfortune as it quickly becomes both celebrated and coveted by all those around him—even to the point of theft! His journey then takes unpredictable turns as he navigates through life with newfound fame from having such an exquisite garment.
About Nikolai Gogol
Nikolai Gogol is one of the greatest authors in Russian literature. Born in 1809 and living until 1852, Gogol was a short story writer and novelist who wrote stories that have become part of the canon of Russian literature. He was particularly known for his use of black comedy and satire to speak to some of the most pressing social issues during his time. His works were so influential that they are still regularly read today, more than 150 years after his death.
Gogol's early works focused on life in Ukraine, where he was born and raised, but he soon branched out into other genres such as political satire and dystopian fiction. One of his most famous works is The Government Inspector (1836), which caused a stir with its sharp criticism of corrupt bureaucrats who abused their power for personal gain. Find out more about Nikolai Gogol at sevenov.com.
Nikolai Gogol's Books on PageVio
Short Stories: The Fair at Sorochyntsi | St. John's Eve | May Night, or the Drowned Maiden | The Lost Letter: A Tale Told by the Sexton of the N...Church | The Night Before Christmas | A Terrible Vengeance | Ivan Fyodorovich Shponka and His Aunt | A Bewitched Place | The Old World Landowners | The Viy | How the Two Ivans Quarrelled | The Mysterious Portrait | Nevsky Prospekt | Diary of a Madman | The Nose | The Carriage | The Overcoat
Here's a full list of Nikolai Gogol's books.