Poem "Dead Souls" occupies a special place in the work of Gogol. The writer considered this work to be the main work of his life, the spiritual testament of Pushkin, who suggested to him the basis of the plot. In the poem, the author reflected the way of life and customs of different strata of society - peasants, landowners, officials. The images in the poem, according to the author, "are not at all portraits of insignificant people, on the contrary, they contain the features of those who consider themselves better than others." The poem shows the landowners, the owners of serf souls, the "masters" of life. Gogol consistently, from hero to hero, reveals their characters and shows the insignificance of their existence. Starting with Manilov and ending with Plyushkin, the author intensifies his satire and exposes the underworld of landlord-bureaucratic Russia.
The main character of the work is Chichikov - until the last chapter of the first volume remains a mystery to everyone: both for the officials of the city of N and for the readers. The author reveals the inner world of Pavel Ivanovich in scenes of his meetings with landowners. Gogol draws attention to the fact that Chichikov is constantly changing and almost copies the demeanor of his interlocutors. Talking about the meeting between Chichikov and Korobochka, Gogol says that in Russia a person speaks differently with the owners of two hundred, three hundred, five hundred souls: "... even if you go up to a million, there will be all shades."
Chichikov perfectly studied people, in any situation he knows how to find benefits, he always says what they would like to hear from him. So, with Manilov, Chichikov is pompous, amiable and flattering. With Korobochka, he speaks without much ceremony, and his vocabulary is consonant with the style of the hostess. Communication with the impudent liar Nozdryov is not easy, since Pavel Ivanovich does not tolerate familiar treatment, "... unless only if a person of too high a rank." However, hoping for a lucrative deal, he does not leave the estate of Nozdryov until the very end and tries to become like him: he turns to "you", adopts a boorish tone, behaves familiarly. The image of Sobakevich, personifying the solidity of the landlord's life, immediately prompts Pavel Ivanovich to talk about dead souls as thoroughly as possible. Chichikov manages to endear himself to a "tear on the human body" - Plyushkin, who has long lost contact with the outside world and has forgotten the norms of politeness. To do this, it was enough for him to play the role of a "moot", ready to save a random acquaintance at a loss for himself from having to pay taxes for dead peasants.
It is not difficult for Chichikov to change his appearance, because he has all the qualities that form the basis of the characters of the depicted landowners. This is confirmed by episodes in the poem, where Chichikov is left alone with himself and does not need to adapt to those around him. Examining town N, Pavel Ivanovich “tore off the poster nailed to the post so that when he came home he could read it thoroughly,” and after reading it, “rolled it up neatly and put it in his little casket, where he used to put everything that came across.” This is reminiscent of the habits of Plyushkin, who collected and stored all sorts of rags and toothpicks. The colorlessness and uncertainty accompanying Chichikov to the last pages of the first volume of the poem make him akin to Manilov. That is why the officials of the provincial city make ridiculous guesses, trying to establish the true identity of the hero. Lyubov Chichikova neatly and meticulously arranges everything in her little chest brings him closer to Korobochka. Nozdryov notes that Chichikov is similar to Sobakevich. All this suggests that the character of the protagonist, as in a mirror, reflected the features of all landowners: Manilov's love for meaningless conversations and "noble" gestures, and Korobochka's pettiness, and Nozdryov's narcissism, and Sobakevich's rudeness, and Plyushkin's hoarding.
And at the same time, Chichikov differs sharply from the landowners shown in the first chapters of the poem. He has a different psychology than Manilov, Sobakevich, Nozdrev and other landowners. He is characterized by extraordinary energy, business acumen, purposefulness, although morally he does not rise above the owners of serf souls. Many years of bureaucratic activity left a noticeable imprint on his demeanor and speech. This is evidenced by the cordial welcome shown to him in the provincial "high society". Among the officials and landowners, he is a new person, a purchaser who will replace the Manilovs, Nozdrevs, Sobachevichs and Plushkins.
Chichikov's soul, just like the souls of landowners and officials, died. The "shining joy of life" is inaccessible to him, he is almost completely devoid of human feelings. For the sake of achieving his practical goals, he pacified his blood, which "played strong."
Gogol strove to understand the psychological nature of Chichikov as a new phenomenon, and for this, in the last chapter of the poem he talks about his life. Chichikov's biography explains the formation of the character revealed in the poem. The hero's childhood was dull and joyless, without friends and maternal affection, with constant reproaches from his sick father, and could not but affect his future fate. His father left him a legacy of half a copper and a covenant to study diligently, to please teachers and bosses, and, most importantly, to save a penny. Pavlusha understood his father's instructions well and directed all his energy towards achieving the cherished goal - wealth. He quickly realized that all lofty concepts only interfere with the achievement of his goal, and began to punch his way himself. At first, he acted in a childishly straightforward manner - in every possible way he pleased the teacher and thanks to this he became his favorite. Growing up, he realized that each person can be found a special approach, and began to achieve more significant success. Having promised to marry the daughter of his boss, he got a job as a warrant officer. While serving at customs, he managed to convince his superiors of his incorruptibility, and later to establish contact with smugglers and make a huge fortune. All of Chichikov's brilliant victories ended in failure, but no setbacks could break his thirst for profit.
However, the author notes that in Chichikovo, in contrast to Plyushkin, “there was no attachment to money for money itself, it was not owned by avarice and stinginess. No, they didn’t move him, - he saw life ahead in all its pleasures, so that later, eventually, he would certainly taste all this, that is what a penny was kept for. " Gogol notes that the main character of the poem is the only character capable of manifesting the movements of the soul. “Apparently, the Chichikovs also turn into poets for a few minutes,” says the author, when his hero stops “as if stunned by a blow” in front of the governor's young daughter. And it was precisely this "human" movement of the soul that led to the failure of his promising venture. According to the author, sincerity, sincerity and unselfishness are the most dangerous qualities in a world where cynicism, lies and profit reign. The fact that Gogol transferred his hero to the second volume of the poem suggests that he believed in his spiritual rebirth. In the second volume of the poem, the writer planned to spiritually "cleanse" Chichikov and put him on the path of spiritual resurrection. The resurrection of the "hero of the time", he said, was to be the beginning of the resurrection of the whole society. But, unfortunately, the second volume of "Dead Souls" was burned, and the third was not written, so we can only guess how Chichikov's moral revival took place.
All themes of the book "Dead Souls" by N.V. Gogol. Summary. Features of the poem. Works ":
A summary of the poem "Dead Souls":
The image of Chichikov in the poem "Dead Souls" was created by Nikolayev Vasilyevich Gogol with such skill that he became immortal in Russian and world literature. The protagonist of the poem is a reflection of the era, in him the features of all the most disgusting, the most typical and most charming, which is characteristic of Gogol's modernity, are embodied.
The best swindler and scoundrel in Russian literature
Chichikov as a literary character is unique for his multi-layered and versatile nature. It combines the lowest traits that can only be inherent in a person, with the most worthy qualities. Chichikov is also unique in that his sense of purpose, resourcefulness and enterprise knows no bounds. The persistence with which the hero moves towards the goal is worthy of imitation, which cannot be said about the methods and principles that Pavel Ivanovich moves.
Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol has worked so carefully the image of the protagonist that, despite all the negative characteristics, he evokes obvious sympathy, thanks to his charm, diligence and desire for a dream. In addition, the hero's high self-esteem lends a special irony to the image of Chichikov, who considered himself “attractive”, especially thanks to his rounded chin. Pavel Ivanovich's self-confidence in his attractiveness is so touching that the reader involuntarily agrees with this fact. In turn, the ladies consider Chichikov quite interesting precisely because of his aura of mystery and secular manners. The character's craving for perfection also captivates: the suit, the perfume, the crew - everything in the fraudster is fine, he is very neat, does not allow for negligence and disorder.
Appearance and manners of Pavel Ivanovich
At the beginning of the poem, we see a middle-aged man (“not old, but not too young”), whom nature has not awarded with special beauty, masculine features, height and figure. However, charm and ability to behave in a miraculous way became the main tool that helped Chichikov win the favor of others.
Our character's self-esteem is so developed that he did not even tolerate unpleasant smells in his presence, let alone vulgarity, familiarity or swear words. Despite the fact that the origin did not give Pavel Ivanovich a reason for pride, he “squeezed” the maximum out of his manners, tone, timbre of voice and ability to conduct a conversation. This skill was the subject of admiration for everyone around him. Even while working at customs, during searches of smugglers, he was so polite and delicate that rumors about his skill and tact reached his superiors. This talent opened all doors, helped to conquer new heights. The ability to “skillfully flatter everyone” has become his calling card.
Love and friendship are things that the main character did not know and did not want to know. His father also bequeathed to Pavlusha not to make friends with his peers, emphasizing the uselessness of this phenomenon. Chichikov avoided women, perfectly assimilating someone's wisdom that they were just waste and problems. He did not allow his heart to be open, and regarded female beauty as art from afar.
Chichikov - original character
The main character has something of the image of each of the landowners, but these qualities are not brought to the point of absurdity. He is businesslike and hot, like Sobakevich, knows how to save like Plyushkin, but wisely, and not blindly and aimlessly. Chichikov also has the economy inherent in Korobochka, and in terms of lying and spending money for his own pleasure, he could compete with Nozdryov.
A brief analysis of the chapters in which Pavel Ivanovich visited the landowners gives a clear picture of this pattern: he is the same as other landowners, but an order of magnitude more perfect in his development. His vices are carefully veiled, even the lack of a good education is carefully hidden behind the ability to hold on and awareness in all spheres of society.
The conclusion suggests itself: Chichikov is a man of a special warehouse, he is monstrously immoral, cunning, resourceful and surprisingly active.
The basis of life for the Chichikovs is material enrichment; strong capital - without it, the hero does not see the future, does not want to build a family. Money is the most important thing in the life of Pavel Ivanovich, it inspires him to “deeds”, makes him forget about goodness, love for his neighbor, and morality.
The image of Chichikov in quotes, in a universal understanding is revealed in our article. This material can be useful when writing the composition "The Image of Chichikov in the poem" Dead Souls "".
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Characterization of Chichikov is the topic of this article. What can you say about this hero from the work "Dead Souls"? Belinsky, a well-known Russian critic, noted in 1846 that as an acquirer Chichikov is no less, and perhaps more than Pechorin, a hero of our time. He can buy "dead souls", collect donations for various charities, purchase railroad shares. It doesn't matter what kind of activity those like him are doing. Their essence remains unchanged.
Author's characteristics of Chichikov at the beginning of the work
It is indisputable that Chichikov is an immortal type. You can meet people like him everywhere. This hero belongs to all times and all countries, only takes different forms, depending on the time and place. In the poem "Dead Souls" the action begins with the fact that the reader meets the main character. What is the characteristic of Chichikov? This is the "golden mean", neither this nor that. The author, describing him, notes that this is not a handsome man, but he is not a "bad-looking" person either, not very thin, but not too fat, not old, but not young either. Chichikov Pavel Ivanovich - venerable collegiate counselor. This is the characterization of Chichikov at the beginning of the work.
Chichikov's visits to the city
How does he start his stay in the city? From numerous visits: to the prosecutor, the vice-governor, the governor, the tax farmer, the police chief, the head of the local state factories, etc. Chichikov, behaving like a well-meaning person, knew how to very skillfully flatter everyone in conversations with these rulers. So, for example, he praised the governor for the "velvet roads" in the province under his control, and Chichikov said something flattering to the police chief about the city booths. He mistakenly called the President of the House and the Vice-Governor "Your Excellency" twice. Chichikov made a compliment to the governor, which was decent for a middle-aged person who has not too small, but also not too high rank. The quotation characteristic of Chichikov will complement the image created by the author. Pavel Ivanovich called himself nothing more than an "insignificant worm", complaining that he had to experience a lot in his lifetime, for the truth to endure in the service, to make many enemies, who even attempted on his life.
Ability to maintain a conversation
The characterization of Chichikov ("Dead Souls") can be supplemented by his masterful ability to maintain a conversation. Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol writes that if it was a question of a horse farm, he spoke about it, but he could also give sensible comments about good dogs. Moreover, Chichikov did it with "a certain degree of gravity," he spoke neither quietly nor loudly, but just as he should, he knew how to behave well. As we can see, he learned to wear the mask of supposed decency and vulgarity skillfully. Under this guise of a completely decent, decent gentleman was hidden the true characteristic of Chichikov ("Dead Souls"), the content of his actions and thoughts.
The author's attitude to Chichikov in the first chapter
In the first chapter, the author only allegorically, indirectly expresses his attitude to Chichikov and his actions. Yes, and this hero himself, talking about the world of thick and thin, hints at his true vision of the world around him. He says the fat ones are better at getting things done than the "thin" ones, who mostly serve on special errands and "waggle here and there." The quotation characteristic of Chichikov helps to better understand this image. The protagonist is referred by Gogol to the world of the fat, firmly and securely sitting in their places. Confirming the appearance of who Chichikov appears to be, thus, the author prepares his exposure, the disclosure of the truth about him.
First successful deals
The deal with Manilov is the first success. It strengthens Pavel Ivanovich's confidence in the safety and ease of the scam he has conceived. The hero, inspired by the first success, is in a hurry to make new deals. Chichikov meets on the way to Sobakevich with Korobochka, who showed him that the enterprise he conceived requires caution and subtlety, and not just perseverance. This lesson, however, did not go to the benefit of Chichikov. He hurries to Sobakevich, but unexpectedly meets Nozdryov and decides to go to him.
Chichikov at Nozdryov
Among the main properties of Nozdryov, almost the main one was the passion to "screw up your neighbor", sometimes for no reason. And Pavel Ivanovich involuntarily falls for this bait. In the end, Nozdryov reveals the true purpose of Chichikov's acquisition of "dead souls." This episode reveals the frivolity and weakness of the hero. Subsequently, of course, Chichikov scolded himself for having acted carelessly by talking about such a delicate matter with Nozdryov. As we can see, determination and perseverance in cases where they go too far, turn into a disadvantage.
Buying "dead souls" from Sobakevich
Chichikov finally arrives at Sobakevich's. The characterization of Chichikov by other characters is interesting. They all have different personalities, and they all relate to the main character in their own way. Sobakevich is a persistent and resourceful person when it comes to his benefits. He guesses, most likely, what Chichikov needs "dead souls" for. Sobakevich is shamelessly bargaining, besides, he praises his dead peasants. He says that Eremey Sorokoplekhin, who traded in Moscow, brought 500 rubles per quitrent. This is not like the peasants of some Plyushkin.
Comparative characteristics of Chichikov and Plyushkin
Let's compare these two characters. Comparative characteristics of Chichikov and Plyushkin are very interesting. After all, Pavel Ivanovich was a serving nobleman, and Plyushkin was a landowner. These are the two classes on which the tsarist Russia of that time was held. Meanwhile, the lack of understanding of the need for daily work, the inability to engage in any useful activity makes these heroes related, leads them to a disastrous result. The characterization of Chichikov and Plyushkin is very unsightly. And this is the support of the state, the "tables of society"! A comparative characteristic of Chichikov helps to discover curious connections in the work ...
Deal with Plyushkin
The venture conceived by Chichikov ends with a deal with Plyushkin. This landowner is even losing money. He put them in one of the boxes, where, probably, they were destined to lie until his death. Chichikov is now on top. All papers are signed, and he turns into a "millionaire" in the eyes of the townsfolk. This is a magic word that opens all roads and affects both scoundrels and good people.
The real biography of Chichikov
Soon, however, Chichikov's triumph ends with the exposure of Nozdryov, who informed the authorities that he was selling dead souls. Confusion and commotion begins in the city, as well as in the mind of the reader. The author has reserved the true biography of his hero for the finale of the work, which finally gives a complete and true characterization of Chichikov in the poem "Dead Souls". Throughout its entire course, Pavel Ivanovich seemed virtuous and decent, but under this mask, as it turned out, a completely different essence was hidden. The characterization of Chichikov in the poem "Dead Souls" given by the author in the finale is as follows.
It turned out that he was the son of one half-impoverished nobleman, who did not even resemble his mother or father. As a child, he had no friends or comrades. And so the father one day decided to send the child to the city school. During parting with him, there were no tears, but Chichikov was given one clever and important instruction: to study, not to fool, not to hang out, please bosses and teachers, save a penny more than anything, since this thing is the most reliable in the world.
The unsociable and lonely Pavlusha accepted this instruction with all his heart and was guided by it all his life. He quickly grasped the spirit of the bosses in the classrooms of the school and understood what the "correct" behavior should be. Chichikov sat quietly in the classroom and as a result, not possessing special talents and abilities, received a certificate at the time of graduation, as well as a special book for reliable behavior and exemplary diligence. Upon graduation, Pavlusha plunged into reality: his father died, leaving him only 4 sweatshirts, irretrievably worn out, 2 old frock coats and a small amount of money.
At the same time, which is remarkable, another event takes place that reveals the true qualities of Chichikov, the future swindler. So fond of the meek student, the teacher was fired from the school. He disappeared in a forgotten kennel without a piece of bread. Former arrogant and recalcitrant students raised money for him, and only Pavel Ivanovich limited himself to a nickel, referring to his extreme need.
The means by which Chichikov was promoted
Chichikov, it should be noted, was not stingy. However, he dreamed of a future life with prosperity and all the comforts: a perfectly arranged house, carriages, delicious dinners and expensive entertainment. For this, Pavel Ivanovich agreed to starve and selflessly engage in service. He soon realized that honest work would not bring him what he wanted. And Chichikov begins, looking for new opportunities to improve his position, to look after the daughter of his boss. When he finally gets a promotion, he completely forgets about this family. Scams, bribes - this is the path that Pavlusha took. He gradually achieves some visible well-being. But in the place of his former boss, a military, strict man was appointed, to whom Chichikov could not get into the trust. And he is forced to look for other ways to arrange his well-being.
How Pavel Ivanovich "suffered at the service"
The main character of the poem goes to another city. Here he becomes, by a lucky chance, a customs official and begins to conduct "commercial" relations with the smugglers. After a while this criminal conspiracy was discovered, and all those guilty of it, including Chichikov, were brought to justice. This is how Pavel Ivanovich "suffered in the service" in reality. Chichikov, taking care of his offspring, decides to commit another scam, which Gogol describes in detail in his poem "Dead Souls".
Chichikov is a hero of our time
So, Chichikov, who was put face to face with the usual, traditional order of things, contributes by his actions to the destruction of the existing order. He lays the foundation for the new. Therefore, we can say in this sense that Chichikov is a hero of our time by right.
The characterization of the hero of the work "Dead Souls" (Chichikova) was presented in this article. Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol wrote the poem of interest to us in 1842. In it, he was able to talentedly and eloquently portray the perniciousness of the serf system that existed at that time, its horrific consequences for the entire Russian society. Not just individual people degenerate - the people and the whole state are destroyed along with it. We can say with confidence that the anti-serfdom works of Nikolai Vasilyevich played a role in the approach of the abolition in our country
"All Russia will appear in him," N. V. Gogol said about his work "Dead Souls". Sending his hero on the road across Russia, the author seeks to show everything that is characteristic of the Russian national character, everything that forms the basis of Russian life, the history and modernity of Russia, tries to look into the future ... From the height of his ideas about the ideal, the author judges “all the terrible , an amazing slime of little things that have entangled our lives ”, Gogol's penetrating gaze explores the life of Russian landowners, peasants, the state of people's souls. The wide typification of the images of the poem became a prerequisite for the fact that the names of many of Gogol's heroes became common nouns. And yet Gogol could be considered a genius at the same time only the creation of the image of "the sweetest man" Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov. What kind of man is this Chichikov? The author emphasizes that the time of virtuous heroes has passed, and therefore shows us ... a scoundrel.
The origin of the hero, as the author says, is "dark and modest." His parents are impoverished nobles, and his father, giving Pavlush to the city school, can leave him only "half a copper" and a wise instruction: to please the Teachers and bosses and, most importantly, to save and save a penny. Even as a child, Pavlusha discovers great practicality. He knows how to deny himself everything, just to save at least a small amount. He pleases the teachers, but only as long as he depends on them. After graduating from college, Pavlusha no longer considers it necessary to help the drunken teacher.
Chichikov convinces himself that he has no "attachment to money for money itself." Money is a means to achieve a life "in all pleasures." The author notes with bitter irony that the hero of the poem would even like to help people sometimes, "but only so that it does not consist in a significant amount." And so gradually the desire for hoarding overshadows the most important moral principles for the hero. Deception, bribery, meanness, machinations at the customs - these are the means by which Pavel Ivanovich tries to ensure a decent existence for himself and his future children. It is not surprising that such a hero is planning a fantastic scam: the purchase of "dead souls" in order to put them into the treasury. For a long time he has not been interested in the moral aspect of such transactions, he fully justifies himself by the fact that he “takes advantage of the excess”, “takes where everyone would take”.
We must pay tribute to the hero. He does not use patronage, there are not enough stars from the sky; everything he achieves is the result of hard work and constant hardship. Moreover, every time the contours of luck appear on the horizon, another disaster strikes the hero's head. Gogol pays tribute to the "irresistible strength of his character," for he understands how hard it is for a Russian person to "throw a bridle over everything that would like to jump out and walk free."
Chichikov is not only tireless in inventing clever plans. Its entire appearance is already adapted to make it easier to "save a penny". There are no striking features in his appearance, he is "not too fat, not too thin", "not handsome, but not bad-looking either." Chichikov knows people very well and speaks to everyone in a language understandable to the interlocutor. He conquers officials with "the pleasantness of secular treatment", Manilova charms with a sugary tone, he knows how to frighten Korobochka, plays Checkers on the souls of dead peasants with Nozdrev. Even with Plyushkin, who avoids communication with people, Chichikov finds a common language.
Chichikov is a new type of businessman-entrepreneur for Russian reality. But this does not mean that Gogol excludes him from a number of literary associations. Sometimes Pavel Ivanovich resembles a romantic secular hero who "... was ready to let go of the answer, probably no worse than those that are released in fashion stories ...". Secondly, in Pavel Ivanovich there is something of the image of a romantic robber (according to rumors, he bursts into Korobochka "like Rinald Rinaldin"). Third, city officials compare him to Napoleon, who was "released" from the island of Helena. Finally, Chichikov is identified even with the Antichrist. Of course, such associations are parody. But not only. The worst thing, according to Gogol, is that the appearance of such a hero says that vice has ceased to be majestic, and evil has ceased to be heroic. Chichikov is an antihero, an anti-villain. He embodies only the prose of adventurism for the sake of money.
Of course, it is no coincidence that officials compare Chichikov with Captain Kopeikin. Within the plot, this comparison is comical (the postmaster does not pay attention to the fact that Chichikov's arms and legs are in place), but for the writer it is of great importance, it is not for nothing that even the name of the noble captain is consonant with Chichikov's “kopeck”. The hero of the war of 1812 personifies the romantic era of the recent past, but now the time has finally shrunk, and the Chichikovs have become his heroes. And the worst thing is that in life they are perceived by people in the same way as in a poem. They are called interesting, everyone is happy with them. That is why Gogol considers it necessary to look deeper into their souls, to discover their "innermost thoughts", that which "escapes and hides from the light."
Nevertheless, it is Chichikov in the poem who is one of the few "people of the way" who, in Gogol's opinion, were destined to be reborn. Yes, the hero's goal is petty, but movement towards it is better than complete immobility. However, the second volume of the poem, in which the hero had to come to the purification of the soul, was never published.
The social soil on which the Chichikovs flourished has long been destroyed. And the evil of hoarding continues to entangle humanity. Is that why the image of Chichikov can be considered a brilliant discovery of Gogol?
The story "Dead Souls", which Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol prudently called a poem, really contains the "poetic" aspirations of the protagonist Chichikov in solving his quite prosaic life tasks. From childhood he was left to himself, he received insufficient education, his youth passed even in some hardships. The characteristic of Chichikov is not much different from others. However, the young man was by nature quick-witted and resourceful, he overcame difficult situations in his life on his own, sometimes very successfully. Growing up and gaining experience, Chichikov learned to use the numerous social Russian shortcomings to his advantage, so that he would benefit from being left behind and not be held liable under the law.
From time to time Chichikov, being in the service in any "bread place", miscalculated through carelessness or out of greed, received scolding from his superiors, but in general he was in good standing and took bribes deftly, imperceptibly and even artistically. And the characterization of Chichikov was an example for all other officials. The petitioner who came to Chichikov would give the sum into his hands, but he would not take it. What are you, how can we not take, sir ...! And he assured the man that all the necessary documents would be brought to his home today, without any "grease". The applicant walked home, elated, almost happy, and waited for the courier. I waited for a day, another, one week and a second. The bribe that the visitor then brought as a result of this simple combination invented by Chichikov was three times larger than the original one.
And then one day Chichikov was struck by a certain brilliant idea that promised quick and sure enrichment. “I am looking for mittens everywhere, and they are in my belt,” Chichikov said and set about developing his future operation to acquire dead souls. At that time there was a market in landlord Russia. In other words, it was possible to buy peasants, sell them and give them away. The deal was legalized, the buyer and the seller made up the serf bill. The peasants were expensive, and for a hundred rubles and two hundred. But if you buy the serfs of the dead from the landowners, then it can be cheaper, thought Chichikov, and set to work.
All the salt of his enterprise consisted in the expectation of receiving the so-called lifting money issued by the guardianship councils throughout Russia, when the landowners were relocated to other lands or simply for the acquisition of serfs. Two hundred rubles for one peasant, alive and well, naturally. Who would be there to check, alive or dead, Chichikov rightly believed, and was slowly getting ready to go. Our hero came to the city of NN, looked around and immediately paid visits to all city officials. After a short conversation with Chichikov, the officials in him so he knew how to coax and grease. The characterization of Chichikov was flawless, he was welcomed everywhere and they were glad to him.
Then Chichikov chose landowners who had serfs and began to go round them in turn. He made the same proposal to everyone. I will buy, they say, dead serfs, it is necessary for the cause, but I will give them inexpensively, they are not rich at the present time. The first landowner, Manilov, was such a refined dandy, had a wife and children. He was surprised at Chichikov's request, but behaved intelligently and gave his dead peasants for nothing. After Manilov, Chichikov got to the landowner Korobochka. The old woman listened, thought, and at first refused. Chichikov was literally sweating, persuading her, citing all the evidence of the benefits of the deal for the landowner. And Korobochka know to himself that he’s fumbling, they say, first I’ll find out the prices, I’ll make inquiries, then we’ll talk.
After Korobochka Chichikov came to see Nozdryov. turned out to be a rare slicker, reveler and gambler. Chichikov got tired of it too. He offered him both horses and a hurdy-gurdy instead of dogs. I wanted to play cards for dead souls or checkers. And he turned down the price, asked for more than the living. Chichikov barely carried his feet away from Nozdryov. And I came to the next landowner Sobakevich. The huge landowner Sobakevich, a fellow of a small mind, but with a sly one, first of all stepped on Chichikov's foot with all his weight. Chichikov hissed in pain and jumped on one leg. Satisfied Sobakevich invited me to dinner. And when Chichikov started a business conversation, the landowner set the price even higher than Nozdryov. After the bargaining, they agreed on two rubles and a half. A brief description of Chichikov should be supplemented by his bargaining ability.
The last was the landowner Plyushkin. He had over a thousand serfs. And the dead are one hundred and twenty, and about a hundred escaped. Chichikov bought them all. And as the conversations went in the city after his trips and shopping, then Chichikov became almost a hero. But at the same time, the characteristic of Chichikov limped, many of his former friends refused him from home. It’s a pity, it was all in vain. Chichikov's impeccable characterization, dead souls, will not help either - they will not become alive, they will not be given money.