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thingtwo 's review for:
Dead Souls
by Nikolai Gogol
This is Gogol's example of a 19th century Russian get-rich-quick scheme. The protagonist, Chichikov, in order to inherit his uncle's property, set himself up in society, and marry well has come upon a plan. He'll buy up all of the dead souls - serfs who have died since the last census was taken, but are still costing the land owners tax. As Chichikov purchases these dead souls - for a fraction of their original value - his value as a property owner increases until the next census; he's rich with assets!
I can see why Gogol was highly regarded by later writers such as Dostoevsky. He had a gift for caricature, and this story is a prime example.
I can see why Gogol was highly regarded by later writers such as Dostoevsky. He had a gift for caricature, and this story is a prime example.