Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol is a recognized classic of Russian literature. And the greatest names in it are somehow connected with innovation. In this sense, Nikolai Vasilyevich is no exception. For example, he called the work “Dead Souls” a poem, although it was written in prose, not poetry. By this he emphasized the special significance of his creation. The poem, we recall, is a voluminous lyric-epic work, which is distinguished by its wide coverage of the events presented, as well as the depth of its content. However, Gogol's innovation is not limited to this.

Gogol's critical realism

In Russian literature, with the advent of satirical works created by this author, the critical direction in realistic literature was strengthened at that time. Gogol's realism is full of flagellating, accusatory force - this is its main difference from his contemporaries and predecessors. the writer received the appropriate name. It is called critical realism. What is new in Gogol is the sharpening of the main characters. Hyperbole becomes his favorite technique. This is an impression-enhancing exaggerated depiction of the main features.

The chapter about Manilov among other chapters about landowners

Before considering Chichikov’s attitude towards Manilov, let us briefly describe the structure of the work and the role of these two characters in it. Chapters about landowners are an important part of the poem. More than half of the volume of the first volume is devoted to them. Gogol arranged them in an order that is strictly thought out: first - Manilov, a wasteful dreamer, who is replaced by the thrifty housewife Korobochka; The latter is opposed by Nozdryov, a rogue, a ruined landowner; after this there follows again a turn to the landowner-kulak - the economic Sobakevich. The gallery closes with Plyushkin, a miser who embodies the extreme degree of degeneration of this class.

Techniques used by the author

We notice, reading the work, that the author repeats the techniques in the depiction of each of the landowners. First there is a description of the village, house, appearance of this or that hero. This is followed by a story about how he reacted to Chichikov’s proposal. Then there is a depiction of the relationship of this hero to each of the landowners and, finally, a scene of purchase and sale. And this is no coincidence. A closed circle of techniques was created by the author in order to show the backwardness, conservatism of provincial life, the limitations and isolation of the landowners. It emphasizes dying and stagnation.

his attitude towards Manilov

Chichikov remains a stranger to the reader almost until the last chapter of the work. The main character says nothing about himself throughout the book. The activity of this person revolves only around the purchase of dead souls. One gets the feeling that he himself can be counted among them. Other characters also join this ranks. Each of them distorts human nature in their own way, which is reflected in the poem “Dead Souls”.

The image of Chichikov belongs to the type of “average person”. The passion for profit replaces everything else for him. He treats landowners according to their behavior in relation to the transaction. The main thing for him is to get dead souls. He treats those who easily provide him with such an opportunity with gratitude. We will see this in the example of Manilov (“Dead Souls”). The image of Chichikov, in accordance with the Gogol tradition, hyperbolically depicts one main feature. In his case, it is a passion for profit. When committing a crime, Chichikov must be a subtle psychologist and physiognomist. However, he sees in the heroes only the particular, which Gogol strives to elevate to the general, generic. What generalizes the images is the author’s characteristic. Chichikov's attitude towards Manilov, as well as towards other landowners, is entirely based on the degree of success of the business relationship.

Image of Manilov

We learn about Manilov, a courteous and “very courteous” landowner, from the first chapter of Dead Souls. In it, the author depicts the appearance of this hero, emphasizing his eyes, “sweet as sugar.” Manilov's character is revealed in a special manner of conversation, in the use of the most delicate speech patterns. This hero’s ignorance of people, his good-naturedness are revealed when he evaluates city officials as “most kind” and “most respectable” people. This is

Gogol, step by step, inexorably exposes the vulgarity of this man. Satire replaces irony. The children of this landowner (Themistoclus and Alcides) are named after ancient Greek generals in order to show that their parents were educated. Manilov is tearfully complacent, devoid of real feelings and living thoughts. He himself is a dead soul, doomed to destruction like the entire autocratic-serf system of our country at that time. The Manilovs are socially dangerous and harmful. The most dire economic consequences can be expected from their management.

Two faces of Manilov

What is Chichikov’s attitude towards Manilov? He meets this seemingly pleasant person on the main character and immediately receives an invitation from him to visit his estate - Manilovka. After this, Chichikov meets Manilov in the village.

The main character's first impression: he is a nice guy. However, subsequently the characteristics of the landowner change. We look at him through the eyes of Gogol, who says that he is “neither in the city of Bogdan nor in the village of Selifan.” Hidden behind the external sweetness of this person, as we see, is selfishness and callousness, which is revealed by the author’s characterization of Manilov. The landowner is busy only with himself. He doesn't take care of the housekeeping at all. The housekeeper and clerk are in charge of the affairs; theft is rampant in his household. This character is not particularly interested in anything. His leisure time is completely occupied by empty thoughts. He says very little, and it is unclear what is on his mind. There was always a book on the table of this landowner, which was laid on one page. Incompleteness reigned even in the furnishings of his home. For many years, some of the chairs were upholstered in matting, and there was missing furniture in some rooms. This reveals the character of the landowner in the best possible way. Manilov is more of a collective image rather than a specific person. It represents landowners belonging to the Nicholas era.

Manilov's office

Let's continue the analysis of the episode "Chichikov at Manilov's". After a long lunch with numerous compliments addressed to the visitor and the hosts, communication moves into the next stage. Chichikov begins a business proposal. The description of Manilov’s office shows how disinclined he really is for any work activity. An armchair, four chairs, the walls are painted gray or blue. But most of all there is tobacco. It is located in different corners of the office in various forms. Desolation and disorder reign everywhere.

Manilov's dreams

It turns out during the conversation that this landowner does not even have an idea about the number of peasants who died among him. There are more important things for him than housekeeping. He dreams of building a large bridge across the river, on which merchants will sell all sorts of little things for the peasants. Manilov has a desire to alleviate the lot of the serf, but caring for him is not realized in practice. Chichikov therefore never managed to find out the number of dead souls this man had. But that doesn't stop him.

How did Manilov react to Chichikov’s proposal?

Manilov’s reaction to Chichikov’s proposal is interesting. This hero immediately dropped the pipe to the floor and opened his mouth, remaining in this position for several minutes. The landowner was completely at a loss. Only assurances about the legality of such an operation brought him to his senses a little. Manilov is too stupid to convict Chichikov of fraud, but agrees, nevertheless, to hand over the dead souls “without interest.” Of course, this statement greatly pleased the guest. Chichikov said many thanks to the landowner, “prompted by gratitude.” Manilov immediately forgets about the confusion.

By and large, he is no longer interested in why the guest needs dead souls. He is glad that he did a favor for a pleasant person. This is the landowner Manilov. Concluding the scene of the visit, Gogol writes that both friends shook hands for a long time and looked into each other’s eyes, which were filled with tears. An interesting detail that clearly characterizes both. Chichikov's attitude towards Manilov is fully revealed in this final scene. The deal was very easy for him.

Gogol's work “Dead Souls” was written in the second half of the 19th century. The first volume was published in 1842, the second volume was almost completely destroyed by the author. And the third volume was never written. The plot of the work was suggested to Gogol. The poem tells about a middle-aged gentleman, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, traveling around Russia with the aim of buying so-called dead souls - peasants who are no longer alive, but who are still listed as alive according to documents. Gogol wanted to show all of Russia, the entire Russian soul in its breadth and immensity.

Gogol’s poem “Dead Souls” can be read in a chapter-by-chapter summary below. In the above version, the main characters are described, the most significant fragments are highlighted, with the help of which you can form a complete picture of the content of this poem. Reading Gogol’s “Dead Souls” online will be useful and relevant for 9th graders.

Main characters

Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov- the main character of the poem, a middle-aged college adviser. He travels around Russia with the aim of buying up dead souls, knows how to find an approach to every person, which he constantly uses.

Other characters

Manilov- landowner, no longer young. In the first minute you think only pleasant things about him, and after that you no longer know what to think. He is not concerned about everyday difficulties; lives with his wife and two sons, Themistoclus and Alcides.

Box- an elderly woman, a widow. She lives in a small village, runs the household herself, sells food and fur. Stingy woman. She knew the names of all the peasants by heart and did not keep written records.

Sobakevich- a landowner, looking for profit in everything. With its massiveness and clumsiness it resembled a bear. He agrees to sell dead souls to Chichikov even before he even talks about it.

Nozdryov- a landowner who cannot sit at home for a day. He loves to party and play cards: hundreds of times he lost to smithereens, but still continued to play; He was always the hero of some story, and he himself was a master at telling tall tales. His wife died, leaving a child, but Nozdryov did not care about family matters at all.

Plyushkin- an unusual person, by whose appearance it is difficult to determine which class he belongs to. Chichikov at first mistook him for an old housekeeper. He lives alone, although his estate used to be full of life.

Selifan- coachman, Chichikov's servant. He drinks a lot, is often distracted from the road, and likes to think about the eternal.

Volume 1

Chapter 1

A carriage with an ordinary, unremarkable car enters the city of NN. He checked into a hotel, which, as often happens, was poor and dirty. The gentleman's luggage was carried in by Selifan (a short man in a sheepskin coat) and Petrushka (a young man about 30 years old). The traveler almost immediately went to the tavern to find out who occupied leadership positions in this city. At the same time, the gentleman tried not to talk about himself at all, nevertheless, everyone with whom the gentleman spoke was able to form the most pleasant description of him. Along with this, the author very often emphasizes the insignificance of the character.

During dinner, the guest finds out from the servant who is the chairman of the city, who is the governor, how many rich landowners are, the visitor did not miss a single detail.

Chichikov meets Manilov and the clumsy Sobakevich, whom he quickly managed to charm with his manners and ability to behave in public: he could always carry on a conversation on any topic, he was polite, attentive and courteous. People who knew him spoke only positively about Chichikov. At the card table he behaved like an aristocrat and a gentleman, even arguing in a particularly pleasant way, for example, “you deigned to go.”

Chichikov hastened to pay visits to all the officials of this city in order to win them over and show his respect.

Chapter 2

Chichikov had been living in the city for more than a week, spending his time carousing and feasting. He made many useful contacts and was a welcome guest at various receptions. While Chichikov was spending time at another dinner party, the author introduces the reader to his servants. Petrushka wore a wide frock coat from a lordly shoulder and had a large nose and lips. He was of a silent nature. He loved to read, but he liked the process of reading much more than the subject of reading. Parsley always carried “his special smell” with him, ignoring Chichikov’s requests to go to the bathhouse. The author did not describe the coachman Selifan, saying that he belonged to too low a class, and the reader prefers landowners and counts.

Chichikov went to the village to Manilov, which “could lure few with its location.” Although Manilov said that the village was only 15 versts from the city, Chichikov had to travel almost twice as far. At first glance, Manilov was a distinguished man, his facial features were pleasant, but too sweet. You won’t get a single living word from him; it was as if Manilov lived in an imaginary world. Manilov had nothing of his own, no peculiarity of his own. He spoke little, most often thinking about lofty matters. When a peasant or clerk asked the master about something, he answered: “Yes, not bad,” without caring about what would happen next.

In Manilov’s office there was a book that the master had been reading for the second year, and the bookmark, once left on page 14, remained in place. Not only Manilov, but also the house itself suffered from a lack of something special. It was as if something was always missing in the house: the furniture was expensive, and there wasn’t enough upholstery for two chairs; in the other room there was no furniture at all, but they were always going to put it there. The owner spoke touchingly and tenderly to his wife. She was a match for her husband - a typical girl's boarding school student. She was trained in French, dancing and playing the piano to please and entertain her husband. Often they spoke tenderly and reverently, like young lovers. One got the impression that the couple did not care about everyday trifles.

Chichikov and Manilov stood in the doorway for several minutes, letting each other go ahead: “do me a favor, don’t worry so much about me, I’ll pass later,” “don’t make it difficult, please don’t make it difficult. Please come in." As a result, both passed at the same time, sideways, touching each other. Chichikov agreed with Manilov in everything, who praised the governor, the police chief, and others.

Chichikov was surprised by Manilov's children, two sons six and eight years old, Themistoclus and Alcides. Manilov wanted to show off his children, but Chichikov did not notice any special talents in them. After lunch, Chichikov decided to talk with Manilov about one very important matter - about dead peasants who, according to documents, are still listed as alive - about dead souls. In order to “relieve Manilov of the need to pay taxes,” Chichikov asks Manilov to sell him documents for the now non-existent peasants. Manilov was somewhat discouraged, but Chichikov convinced the landowner of the legality of such a deal. Manilov decided to give away the “dead souls” for free, after which Chichikov hastily began to get ready to see Sobakevich, pleased with the successful acquisition.

Chapter 3

Chichikov went to Sobakevich in high spirits. Selifan, the coachman, was arguing with the horse, and, carried away by thoughts, stopped watching the road. The travelers got lost.
The chaise drove off-road for a long time until it hit a fence and overturned. Chichikov was forced to ask for overnight accommodation from the old woman, who let them in only after Chichikov told about his noble title.

The owner was an elderly woman. She can be called thrifty: there were a lot of old things in the house. The woman was dressed tastelessly, but with pretensions to elegance. The lady's name was Korobochka Nastasya Petrovna. She didn’t know any Manilov, from which Chichikov concluded that they had drifted into quite the wilderness.

Chichikov woke up late. His laundry was dried and washed by the fussy Korobochka worker. Pavel Ivanovich did not stand on ceremony with Korobochka, allowing himself to be rude. Nastasya Filippovna was a college secretary, her husband had died long ago, so the entire household was her responsibility. Chichikov did not miss the opportunity to inquire about dead souls. He had to persuade Korobochka for a long time, who was also bargaining. Korobochka knew all the peasants by name, so she did not keep written records.

Chichikov was tired from a long conversation with the hostess, and was rather glad not that he received less than twenty souls from her, but that this dialogue was over. Nastasya Filippovna, delighted with the sale, decided to sell Chichikov flour, lard, straw, fluff and honey. To appease the guest, she ordered the maid to bake pancakes and pies, which Chichikov ate with pleasure, but politely refused other purchases.

Nastasya Filippovna sent a little girl with Chichikov to show the way. The chaise had already been repaired and Chichikov moved on.

Chapter 4

The chaise drove up to the tavern. The author admits that Chichikov had an excellent appetite: the hero ordered chicken, veal and pig with sour cream and horseradish. At the tavern, Chichikov asked about the owner, his sons, their wives, and at the same time found out where each landowner lived. At the tavern, Chichikov met Nozdryov, with whom he had previously dined with the prosecutor. Nozdryov was cheerful and drunk: he had lost at cards again. Nozdryov laughed at Chichikov’s plans to go to Sobakevich, persuading Pavel Ivanovich to come and visit him first. Nozdryov was sociable, the life of the party, a carouser and a talker. His wife died early, leaving two children, whom Nozdryov was absolutely not involved in raising. He could not sit at home for more than a day; his soul demanded feasts and adventures. Nozdryov had an amazing attitude towards dating: the closer he got to a person, the more fables he told. At the same time, Nozdryov managed not to quarrel with anyone after that.

Nozdryov loved dogs very much and even kept a wolf. The landowner boasted so much about his possessions that Chichikov was tired of inspecting them, although Nozdryov even attributed a forest to his lands, which could not possibly be his property. At the table, Nozdryov poured wine for the guests, but added little for himself. In addition to Chichikov, Nozdryov’s son-in-law was visiting, with whom Pavel Ivanovich did not dare talk about the true motives of his visit. However, the son-in-law soon got ready to go home, and Chichikov was finally able to ask Nozdryov about dead souls.

He asked Nozdryov to transfer the dead souls to himself without revealing his true motives, but this only intensified Nozdryov’s interest. Chichikov is forced to come up with various stories: supposedly dead souls are needed to gain weight in society or to get married successfully, but Nozdryov senses the falsehood, so he allows himself to make rude statements about Chichikov. Nozdryov invites Pavel Ivanovich to buy from him a stallion, mare or dog, complete with which he will give away his souls. Nozdryov didn’t want to give away dead souls just like that.

The next morning, Nozdryov behaved as if nothing had happened, inviting Chichikov to play checkers. If Chichikov wins, then Nozdryov will transfer all the dead souls to him. Both played dishonestly, Chichikov was greatly exhausted by the game, but the police officer unexpectedly came to Nozdryov, informing him that from now on Nozdryov was on trial for beating a landowner. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Chichikov hastened to leave Nozdryov’s estate.

Chapter 5

Chichikov was glad that he left Nozdryov empty-handed. Chichikov was distracted from his thoughts by an accident: a horse harnessed to Pavel Ivanovich’s chaise got mixed up with a horse from another harness. Chichikov was fascinated by the girl who was sitting in another cart. He thought about the beautiful stranger for a long time.

Sobakevich's village seemed huge to Chichikov: gardens, stables, barns, peasant houses. Everything seemed to be made to last. Sobakevich himself seemed to Chichikov to look like a bear. Everything about Sobakevich was massive and clumsy. Each item was ridiculous, as if it said: “I, too, look like Sobakevich.” Sobakevich spoke disrespectfully and rudely about other people. From him Chichikov learned about Plyushkin, whose peasants were dying like flies.

Sobakevich reacted calmly to the offer of dead souls, even offering to sell them before Chichikov himself spoke about it. The landowner behaved strangely, raising the price, praising the already dead peasants. Chichikov was dissatisfied with the deal with Sobakevich. It seemed to Pavel Ivanovich that it was not he who was trying to deceive the landowner, but Sobakevich.
Chichikov went to Plyushkin.

Chapter 6

Lost in his thoughts, Chichikov did not notice that he had entered the village. In the village of Plyushkina, the windows in the houses were without glass, the bread was damp and moldy, the gardens were abandoned. The results of human labor were nowhere to be seen. Near Plyushkin’s house there were many buildings overgrown with green mold.

Chichikov was met by the housekeeper. The master was not at home, the housekeeper invited Chichikov to his chambers. There were a lot of things piled up in the rooms, it was impossible to understand in the heaps what exactly was there, everything was covered in dust. From the appearance of the room it cannot be said that a living person lived here.

A bent man, unshaven, in a washed-out robe entered the chambers. The face was nothing special. If Chichikov met this man on the street, he would give him alms.

This man turned out to be the landowner himself. There was a time when Plyushkin was a thrifty owner, and his house was full of life. Now strong feelings were not reflected in the old man’s eyes, but his forehead betrayed his remarkable intelligence. Plyushkin's wife died, his daughter ran away with a military man, his son went to the city, and his youngest daughter died. The house became empty. Guests rarely visited Plyushkin, and Plyushkin did not want to see his runaway daughter, who sometimes asked her father for money. The landowner himself started a conversation about the dead peasants, because he was glad to get rid of dead souls, although after a while suspicion appeared in his gaze.

Chichikov refused treats, impressed by the dirty dishes. Plyushkin decided to bargain, manipulating his plight. Chichikov bought 78 souls from him, forcing Plyushkin to write a receipt. After the deal, Chichikov, as before, hurried to leave. Plyushkin locked the gate behind the guest, walked around his property, storerooms and kitchen, and then thought about how to thank Chichikov.

Chapter 7

Chichikov had already acquired 400 souls, so he wanted to quickly finish his business in this city. He reviewed and put in order all the necessary documents. All the peasants of Korobochka were distinguished by strange nicknames, Chichikov was dissatisfied that their names took up a lot of space on paper, Plyushkin’s note was brevity, Sobakevich’s notes were complete and detailed. Chichikov thought about how each person passed away, making guesses in his imagination and playing out entire scenarios.

Chichikov went to court to have all the documents certified, but there they made him understand that without a bribe things would take a long time, and Chichikov would still have to stay in the city for a while. Sobakevich, who accompanied Chichikov, convinced the chairman of the legality of the transaction, Chichikov said that he had bought the peasants for removal to the Kherson province.

The police chief, officials and Chichikov decided to complete the paperwork with lunch and a game of whist. Chichikov was cheerful and told everyone about his lands near Kherson.

Chapter 8

The whole city is gossiping about Chichikov’s purchases: why does Chichikov need peasants? Did the landowners really sell so many good peasants to the newcomer, and not thieves and drunkards? Will the peasants change in the new land?
The more rumors there were about Chichikov's wealth, the more they loved him. The ladies of the city of NN considered Chichikov a very attractive person. In general, the ladies of the city of N themselves were presentable, dressed with taste, were strict in their morals, and all their intrigues remained secret.

Chichikov found an anonymous love letter, which interested him incredibly. At the reception, Pavel Ivanovich could not understand which of the girls wrote to him. The traveler was a success with the ladies, but he was so carried away by small talk that he forgot to approach the hostess. The governor's wife was at the reception with her daughter, whose beauty Chichikov was captivated - not a single lady interested Chichikov anymore.

At the reception, Chichikov met Nozdryov, who, with his cheeky behavior and drunken conversations, put Chichikov in an uncomfortable position, so Chichikov was forced to leave the reception.

Chapter 9

The author introduces the reader to two ladies, friends who met early in the morning. They talked about women's little things. Alla Grigorievna was partly a materialist, prone to denial and doubt. The ladies were gossiping about the newcomer. Sofya Ivanovna, the second woman, is unhappy with Chichikov because he flirted with many ladies, and Korobochka completely let slip about dead souls, adding to her story the story of how Chichikov deceived her by throwing 15 rubles in banknotes. Alla Grigorievna suggested that, thanks to the dead souls, Chichikov wants to impress the governor’s daughter in order to steal her from her father’s house. The ladies listed Nozdryov as Chichikov’s accomplice.

The city was buzzing: the question of dead souls worried everyone. The ladies discussed more the story of the kidnapping of the girl, supplementing it with all imaginable and inconceivable details, and the men discussed the economic side of the issue. All this led to the fact that Chichikov was not allowed on the threshold and was no longer invited to dinners. As luck would have it, Chichikov was at the hotel all this time because he was unlucky enough to get sick.

Meanwhile, the city residents, in their assumptions, went so far as to tell the prosecutor everything.

Chapter 10

Residents of the city gathered at the police chief. Everyone was wondering who Chichikov was, where he came from and whether he was hiding from the law. The postmaster tells the story of Captain Kopeikin.

In this chapter, the story about Captain Kopeikin is included in the text of Dead Souls.

Captain Kopeikin had his arm and leg torn off during a military campaign in the 1920s. Kopeikin decided to ask the Tsar for help. The man was amazed by the beauty of St. Petersburg and the high prices for food and housing. Kopeikin waited to receive the general for about 4 hours, but he was asked to come later. The audience between Kopeikin and the governor was postponed several times, Kopeikin’s faith in justice and the tsar became less and less each time. The man was running out of money for food, and the capital became disgusting due to pathos and spiritual emptiness. Captain Kopeikin decided to sneak into the general’s reception room to definitely get an answer to his question. He decided to stand there until the sovereign looked at him. The general instructed the courier to deliver Kopeikin to a new place, where he would be completely in the care of the state. Kopeikin, overjoyed, went with the courier, but no one else saw Kopeikin.

All those present admitted that Chichikov could not possibly be Captain Kopeikin, because Chichikov had all his limbs in place. Nozdryov told many different fables and, getting carried away, said that he personally came up with a plan to kidnap the governor’s daughter.

Nozdryov went to visit Chichikov, who was still ill. The landowner told Pavel Ivanovich about the situation in the city and the rumors that were circulating about Chichikov.

Chapter 11

In the morning, everything did not go according to plan: Chichikov woke up later than planned, the horses were not shod, the wheel was faulty. After a while everything was ready.

On the way, Chichikov met a funeral procession - the prosecutor died. Next, the reader learns about Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov himself. The parents were nobles who had only one serf family. One day, his father took little Pavel with him to the city to send his child to school. The father ordered his son to listen to teachers and please bosses, not to make friends, and to save money. At school, Chichikov was distinguished by his diligence. Since childhood, he understood how to increase money: he sold pies from the market to hungry classmates, trained a mouse to perform magic tricks for a fee, and sculpted wax figures.

Chichikov was in good standing. After some time, he moved his family to the city. Chichikov was attracted by a rich life, he actively tried to make his way into the people, but with difficulty he got into the government chamber. Chichikov did not hesitate to use people for his own purposes; he was not ashamed of such an attitude. After an incident with one old official, whose daughter Chichikov even planned to marry in order to get a position, Chichikov’s career took off sharply. And that official talked for a long time about how Pavel Ivanovich deceived him.

He served in many departments, cheated and cheated everywhere, launched an entire campaign against corruption, although he himself was a bribe-taker. Chichikov began construction, but several years later the declared house was never built, but those who supervised the construction got new buildings. Chichikov became involved in smuggling, for which he was put on trial.

He started his career again from the bottom rung. He was engaged in transferring documents for peasants to the guardianship council, where he was paid for each peasant. But one day Pavel Ivanovich was informed that even if the peasants died, but were listed as alive according to the records, the money would still be paid. So Chichikov came up with the idea of ​​​​buying peasants who were dead in fact, but alive according to documents, in order to sell their souls to the guardianship council.

Volume 2

The chapter begins with a description of the nature and lands belonging to Andrei Tentetnikov, a 33-year-old gentleman who thoughtlessly wastes his time: he woke up late, took a long time to wash his face, “he was not a bad person, he’s just a smoker of the sky.” After a series of unsuccessful reforms aimed at improving the lives of peasants, he stopped communicating with others, completely gave up, and became mired in the same infinity of everyday life.

Chichikov comes to Tentetnikov and, using his ability to find an approach to any person, stays with Andrei Ivanovich for some time. Chichikov was now more careful and delicate when it came to dead souls. Chichikov hasn’t talked about this with Tentetnikov yet, but with conversations about marriage he has revived Andrei Ivanovich a little.

Chichikov goes to General Betrishchev, a man of majestic appearance, who combined many advantages and many shortcomings. Betrishchev introduces Chichikov to his daughter Ulenka, with whom Tentetnikov is in love. Chichikov joked a lot, which was how he was able to win the favor of the general. Taking this opportunity, Chichikov makes up a story about an old uncle who is obsessed with dead souls, but the general does not believe him, considering it another joke. Chichikov is in a hurry to leave.

Pavel Ivanovich goes to Colonel Koshkarev, but ends up with Pyotr Rooster, whom he finds completely naked while hunting for sturgeon. Having learned that the estate was mortgaged, Chichikov wanted to leave, but here he meets the landowner Platonov, who talks about ways to increase wealth, which Chichikov is inspired by.

Colonel Koshkarev, who divided his lands into plots and manufactories, also had nothing to profit from, so Chichikov, accompanied by Platonov and Konstanzhoglo, goes to Kholobuev, who sells his estate for next to nothing. Chichikov gives a deposit for the estate, borrowing the amount from Konstanzhglo and Platonov. In the house, Pavel Ivanovich expected to see empty rooms, but “he was struck by the mixture of poverty with the shiny trinkets of later luxury.” Chichikov receives dead souls from his neighbor Lenitsyn, charming him with his ability to tickle a child. The story ends.

It can be assumed that some time has passed since the purchase of the estate. Chichikov comes to the fair to buy fabric for a new suit. Chichikov meets Kholobuev. He is dissatisfied with Chichikov’s deception, because of which he almost lost his inheritance. Denunciations are discovered against Chichikov regarding the deception of Kholobuev and dead souls. Chichikov is arrested.

Murazov, a recent acquaintance of Pavel Ivanovich, a tax farmer who fraudulently made himself a million-dollar fortune, finds Pavel Ivanovich in the basement. Chichikov tears out his hair and mourns the loss of a box of securities: Chichikov was not allowed to dispose of many personal belongings, including the box, which contained enough money to give a deposit for himself. Murazov motivates Chichikov to live honestly, not break the law and not deceive people. It seems that his words were able to touch certain strings in Pavel Ivanovich’s soul. Officials hoping to receive a bribe from Chichikov are confusing the matter. Chichikov leaves the city.
 

Conclusion

“Dead Souls” shows a broad and truthful picture of life in Russia in the second half of the 19th century. Along with beautiful nature, picturesque villages in which the originality of the Russian people is felt, greed, stinginess and the never-vanishing desire for profit are shown against the backdrop of space and freedom. The arbitrariness of landowners, poverty and lack of rights of peasants, a hedonistic understanding of life, bureaucracy and irresponsibility - all this is depicted in the text of the work, as in a mirror. Meanwhile, Gogol believes in a bright future, because it is not for nothing that the second volume was conceived as “the moral cleansing of Chichikov.” It is in this work that Gogol’s manner of reflecting reality is most clearly noticeable.

You have only read a brief retelling of “Dead Souls”; for a more complete understanding of the work, we recommend that you read the full version.

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He mistakenly calls the landowner's land Zamanilovka instead of Manilovka; there is nothing alluring and "luring" in the village and the manor's house: several frail flower beds, the house and walls are a shade of blue, similar to gray, there is no greenery anywhere, gloomy gray log huts.

Manilov, at first glance, seems to be a very pleasant person. But the pleasantness of this “too much… sugar” is almost cloying. Only the alluring smile in his image is attractive. There is no “enthusiasm” in him, nothing captivates him, only lengthy thoughts constantly wander through his head.

A person, one might say, does not need anything in this life - he lives for himself and lives. More precisely, it exists according to the principle: when there is day, there will be food. The author notes that for Manilov everything went “somehow by itself”: the economy, the internal arrangement of the house, and relationships with the servants.

The main and sad feature of Manilov: all projects, good and good undertakings remain words: from reading a book (the bookmark in which has been on page fourteen for who knows how many years) to an underground passage with a stone bridge across a pond. Not done - and okay. There are many unresolved problems in the house, but the landowner is only occupied with dreams. The pantry is empty, it’s unclear what’s cooking in the kitchen, the housekeeper is a thief, the servants are drunkards - all these are low objects, unworthy of masters.

The rascal Chichikov immediately felt the defining feature of Manilov’s personality - sweetness in manners and actions, as well as the desire to please. Therefore, the entire conversation between Chichikov and Manilov is pure ingratiation and flattery. All the officials of the city of N are spoken of in superlatives: “the most respectable”, “the most amiable person”, the company is the most courteous, everyone is extremely pleasant and worthy.

Even Chichikov’s passage through the doorways of the office and dining room in the Manilovs’ house turns into real pathos: the guest and the owner cannot agree on which of them will go first, since each really wants to give in to the other. As a result, both go through the doors at the same time. The swindler Chichikov “adapts” to Manilov, to this politeness oversaturated with sugar, in order to achieve his selfish goal - the purchase of “dead” souls.

When Chichikov voices his lucrative offer to Manilov, the latter is greatly perplexed. His pipe already falls out of his mouth, he claims that “he heard a strange word”, he even suspects Chichikov of madness (“is the guest crazy”). But the desire to please pushes Manilov to act - to sell the “dead” peasants to Chichikov. Moreover, this happens on the basis that Chichikov has a “brilliant” education, which is “visible in every... movement” and a deep facial expression, characteristic only of a “too smart minister.”

The Greek names of Manilov's children (Themistoclus and Alcides) attract attention (literally jarring). Now, too, some parents are trying to name their children rare “exotic” names. They, like Manilov, try to seem educated, smart and well-read. But this fact speaks only of inner emptiness and ostentatious pomposity, behind which there is nothing.

Until the end of the conversation, the reader hopes that Manilov, even despite his sweetness and servility, is not such a bad person. But this myth is finally debunked by Manilov’s last expression in a conversation with Chichikov that “dead souls are complete rubbish.” Even the mercantile Chichikov is confused by these words, and he objects: “It’s not rubbish at all!”

Empty dreams, sugary ostentatious politeness and flattery - alas, all components of Manilov.