Main character poem " Dead Souls" - Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov. The complex character of literature opened his eyes to the events of the past and showed many hidden problems.
The image and characterization of Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls” will allow you to understand yourself and find the traits that you need to get rid of so as not to become his likeness.
Hero's appearance
The main character, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, does not have an exact indication of his age. You can do mathematical calculations, distributing the periods of his life marked by ups and downs. The author says that this is a middle-aged man, there is an even more precise indication:“...decent middle years...”
Other appearance features:
- full figure;
- roundness of shapes;
- pleasant appearance.
Hero's personality
Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov has a fairly high rank. He is a collegiate advisor. For man“...without tribe and clan...”
Such an achievement proves that the hero is very persistent and purposeful. From childhood, a boy cultivates the ability to deny himself pleasure if it interferes with big things. To obtain a high rank, Pavel received an education, and he studied diligently and taught himself to get what he wanted by all means: by cunning, sycophancy, and patience. Pavel is strong in mathematical sciences, which means he has logical thinking and practicality. Chichikov is a cautious person. He can talk about various phenomena life, noticing what will help achieve the desired result. The hero travels a lot and is not afraid of meeting new people. But the restraint of his personality does not allow him to conduct long stories about the past. The hero is an excellent expert in psychology. He easily finds his way and common topics conversation with different people. Moreover, Chichikov’s behavior changes. He, like a chameleon, easily changes his appearance, demeanor, and style of speech. The author emphasizes how unusual the twists of his mind are. He knows his own worth and penetrates into the depths of the subconscious of his interlocutors.
Positive character traits of Pavel Ivanovich
The character has a lot of traits that make it impossible to treat him only as negative character. His desire is to buy dead souls frightening, but until the last pages the reader is at a loss as to why the landowner needs dead peasants, what Chichikov has in mind. One more question: how did you come up with this method of enriching yourself and increasing your status in society?- protects his health, he does not smoke and monitors the amount of wine he drinks.
- doesn't play gambling: cards.
- a believer before starting important conversation a man crosses himself in Russian.
- takes pity on the poor and gives alms (but this quality cannot be called compassion; it does not manifest itself to everyone and not always).
- slyness allows the hero to hide his true face.
- neat and thrifty: things and objects that help to remember important events, stored in a box.
Negative traits of a hero
The character has negative qualities. They explain why the image was perceived by society as a real person; similarities with him were found in any environment.- never dances, although he attends balls with zeal.
- loves to eat, especially at someone else's expense.
- hypocritical: he can cry, lie, pretend to be upset.
- deceiver and bribe-taker: in speech there are statements of honesty, but in reality everything says the opposite.
- composure: politely, but without feelings, Pavel Ivanovich conducts business that makes his interlocutors shrink inside with fear.
It is impossible to accurately describe the character of Pavel Ivanovich, to say that this positive character or a negative hero. A real person taken from life is both good and bad at the same time. One character combines different personalities, but one can only envy his desire to achieve his goal. The classic helps young people to stop the traits of Chichikov in themselves, a man for whom life becomes a matter of profit, the value of existence, the mystery of the afterlife are lost.
Chichikov was born, and he was, according to the proverb, “neither like his mother nor his father, but like a passing fellow.” Another proverb is used, and it turns out that it is not even entirely clear whether Chichikov the elder was the blood father of Chichikov the younger: Gogol’s world is also populated by very unhappy children, illegitimate children, and not all fathers are flaming with a noble desire to legitimize their children ( Dobchinsky in “The Inspector General” prays for the adoption of the son of a visiting truth-bearer, but Ivan Nikiforovich in “The Tale of How He Quarreled...” is not at all consumed by such a desire). In the crowd of Gogol's fathers there are also apostate fathers. Their figures personify the further splitting of primordial, simple, natural relationships: by blood, before God - father, but according to the law, in front of people - an outsider. It turns out to be some kind of father, divided in two, half-father. Moreover, alas, the opposite can happen: by law he is the father, but by blood he is a stranger; and then again half-father.
However, in the poem “Dead Souls” Chichikov-ochets somehow recognized his son as his son. Chichikov’s father “was a sick man in a long frock coat with fleeces and knitted flappers worn on his bare feet, sighing incessantly as he walked around the room and spitting in the sandbox standing in the corner...” The father, of course, even tried to be his son’s teacher. This was expressed in the fact that the son sat in the corner, wrote out letters, and if he, “bored by the monotony of work, attached some kind of quotation mark or tail to a letter,” the father would pull him by the ear (we met this pedagogical technique with a Latin teacher in the story “Ivan Fedorovich...”). And then Chichikov’s father took his son to study and left, ordering him to please “teachers and bosses.” And Pavel Ivanovich never saw his father again: he was graduating from college, and “at that time his father died.”
In the “Dead Souls”, abundantly populated by the fathers and teachers of the heroes of this poem, the images of two teachers are revealed close-up: Alexander Petrovich, Tentetnikov’s teacher, and Chichikov’s teacher, absurd, suspicious and unfair (some kind of teacher!). And “the poor teacher was expelled from the school for stupidity or other guilt... The teacher began to drink out of grief” and “sick, without a piece of bread and help, he disappeared somewhere in an unheated, forgotten kennel.” It was then that his former students, the tomboys he had offended, came to the aid of the outcast, “only Pavlusha Chichikov made the excuse of not having enough and gave some silver nickel...”
The father abandoned his son. The son, having become a student, abandoned the teacher, whom he had previously fawned over; and his apostasy was, of course, the biggest pedagogical failure of the poor drunkard. If we understand Gogol straightforwardly, it is easy to reproach him for hopeless naivety: are Chichikov’s vices explained by the fact that both his father and his teacher were bad? And if they were good, wouldn’t the hero of the poem become a swindler? But why then did Chichikov’s classmates suddenly turn out to be sympathetic and noble people? However, Gogol is well aware of possible objections. He himself objected to himself in “Taras Bulba”: a wonderful father gave birth to both an exalted hero and a low-spirited traitor. This means that the father is the father, but whatever the father, the son forms himself first of all, and is called upon to be responsible for his actions, protecting the soul from temptations and sins. And here the question arises about a person’s responsibility for himself, for his soul.
Chichikov's classmates studied with the same teacher as him. They laughed at the stupid teacher, pestered him, but did not leave him in trouble. They became a glimpse of Chichikov’s authenticity, an opportunity that he rejected and crucified within himself. In this sense, plump, smooth-cheeked and, as we would say now, streamlined Chichikov, so strikingly different from the Demon, is also an apostate demon. And not social system made him a scoundrel, because contrary to the same system, simply not paying any attention to this system, the same young men showed the nobility that was self-evident for them. And Pavlusha Chichikov fell. He fell low, disgustingly, even then beginning to transform his purely earthly life into a vulgar parody of space life fallen angels, demons. And he became a shadow, and his authenticity... It was replaced by meanness.
The uniqueness of Chichikov is that he is surrounded by a variety of hypotheses, indications of the possibilities that he could develop in himself. The shadows in and around him float one upon another, swarm, multiply; and the motive that connects them is the motive of wealth, inseparable from the figure of Chichikov.
Chichikov is a man of rich potential, and what in front of him is Samosvistov, who has one single gift, talent! Pushkin's Lensky could have become an outstanding Russian poet, and Chichikov could have become even more: he could have been a national hero, a hero. “Shouldn’t a hero be here when there is a place for him to turn around and walk?” - Gogol asks, speaking lovingly about Russia and, as it were, outlining the ideal of a person preserved by epics and epics, who has realized all the possibilities inherent in him. And one could start with a simple thing: not to give up on a teacher who had fallen into need and poverty.
But also just a kind Russian youth, a recent schoolboy, rushing to the aid of his yesterday’s enemy, an evil teacher, and an epic hero - opportunities, the subjunctive mood, a bright future embedded in the gray confusion of the present. You can only talk about them with a smile, with an incredulous laugh: they will also say, Chichikov and suddenly a hero! And Chichikov himself would have grinned at the prospect of changing his tailcoat to chain mail, arming himself with a spear and, perched on Chubari, set off: wandering around Rus', fighting her enemies and searching for hidden meaning life. And in vain they tell him:
“Eh, Pavel Ivanovich, you have this strength that others don’t have, this iron patience... Yes, you... would be a hero!”
Subjunctive mood again! Chichikov’s reality is the desire for wealth, and of course not for heroism. Soul-searing envy of the rich, the languid thought of wealth haunts Chichikov. And talents live in him, but he buries them.
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Who is Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls”
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The main character of N. V. Gogol’s poem is multifaceted: he cannot be called pronounced negative hero past era. Who is Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls”? A real man, which combines many qualities: Chichikov sets himself the goal of getting rich and he changes his attitude towards the mystery of the afterlife, making it an object of sale and profit.
Negative personality traits
Similarities with Chichikov and real people began to be found immediately after the publication of the poem. The Chichikovs walked around the balls, not dancing, but looking at the guests. In any society there were those who liked to eat not with their own money, but at the expense of others. Real prototypes hypocritically deceived those around them, pretending to be upset and offended. They lie easily, cry, causing pity. Hypocrisy always carries a meaning - to achieve something. The Chichikovs talk about honesty, but they deceive and take bribes.
Adventurous plans cause fear in normal person, and Pavel Ivanovich calmly and politely conduct conversations about them.
Everything becomes an object for hypocritical adventurers, even love. A woman is an object that will produce offspring and provide free pleasure. Love becomes synonymous with meanness; it is dangerous and ugly. Love in their perception does not elevate a person, but, on the contrary, devastates the soul.
Positive traits
A real person cannot be bad or good. It contains everything in a complex. Chichikov is no exception. What features should be highlighted as positive? Pavel Ivanovich leads a healthy lifestyle, he does not smoke, does not abuse alcohol, does not use foul language, and does not fight. The landowner does not like gambling, in which you need to have the ability to deceive, to be a sharper. An enterprising man tries to observe Christian rituals. He gets baptized before an important meeting and gives alms. Chichikov is neat. He takes care of things and keeps order around him.
The main character of the poem is firmly convinced of the correctness of his actions. He is purposeful, moving towards solving his life’s tasks. The strength of character that Gogol endowed him with helps him not to give up and move forward. This is not to say that the character's life is easy. Another would have retreated long ago and established himself in some office; Chichikov is not like that. He is trying to become richer and enter the society of strong landowners, stand on the same level with them or rise higher. Chichikov's personality is extraordinary and courageous.
Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov is the main character of the poem “Dead Souls” by Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol.
Chichikov in a poem of middle age. Born into a poor family. The parents did not want such a life for their son, so they raised him, instilling in him the ability to make money. When sending his son to study, his father ordered Pavel to please the teachers, save every penny and deny himself many things. Don't make friends like that. how they are of no use, and only be friends with the rich, who will benefit them.
Pavel Ivanovich did just that and completed his studies with good recommendations from teachers. He played tricks on his classmates: he made them share them with him, and then sold them these things. Chichikov was a very capable young man, smart. One day he made a wax figurine and sold it, got a mouse, started training it and also sold it for good money. He could quickly do arithmetic in his head and had a penchant for mathematical sciences.
Outwardly, Chichikov was attractive. A little full, but in moderation. He really liked his face, especially his chin.
Pavel Ivanovich really wanted to get rich. But he didn’t want wealth just to have it. He wanted to enjoy these benefits with all his heart and live a luxurious life. I wanted to provide for my future children and leave them an inheritance. After studying he entered the service. He pleased his superiors in every possible way, which endeared them to him. Having got used to it, he began to take bribes, which they found out about, and Chichikov had to leave the service. He managed to save a lot of money, but nothing came of it either.
But even after this, Chichikov did not give up and decided on a new adventure: to buy up dead souls, and then sell them for good money, as if they were alive. He had well-developed psychological qualities. Because of his ability to please people, Pavel Ivanovich learned the psychology of people and knew how to find an approach to everyone. He carefully studied the habits of the gentlemen from high society and learned to apply them to myself. He also knew how to masterfully dissemble in order to achieve his own benefit, posing as an honest and noble person. The fact that Chichikov is from common people The only thing that betrayed him was his ignorance of French.
Despite his qualities, inherent only to vile people, Pavel Ivanovich also had ordinary ones. He was a compassionate man and always gave coins to the poor. He did not hang out with women, because he knew that it would not lead to good things. Chichikov completely lacked romantic inclinations. The thought, other than that the woman is beautiful, did not develop further in him.
If you look at the poem carefully, you will notice that Chichikov has the same qualities as the people from whom he bought souls. This explains the fact that he quickly found a common language with them.
Essay about Chichikov
The writer’s famous poem is one of those unforgettable works of art that represent a generalization in the form of artistic scales aimed at solving the problems of human life. The emptiness in the spiritual worldview of people is hidden not only in the conditions of society, but also in the characteristics of the personality.
In a special way, the author of one of these representatives, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, clearly showed. The lack of interest in the life of this character is emphasized by the fact that there are no changes in his spiritual actions, he is all in some kind of vanity. His chaise does not leave some vicious circle for a long time. All life is subordinated to one goal - enrichment for the sake of achieving good conditions. This simple dream fuels his energy. The main character does not forget his father’s advice that he needs to take care of every coin. Chichikov ceases to sympathize with people. This can be seen from his life. He abandons the teacher, who is completely drunk, commits betrayal against his superior, indulges in the joy of the high mortality rate of the peasants, but can please everyone, especially high-ranking officials.
While studying at the school, Chichikov, thanks to his neatness and diligence, becomes one of his favorite students. In the service he also seeks recognition from his superiors. Arriving in the city of NN, he also continues to speak flattering words to local officials. From every conversation Pavel Ivanovich takes some benefit for himself. Even Gogol, depicting his image, emphasizes some uncertainty in his appearance. So, talking with Manilov, he appears to us as a young man, endlessly admiring everything, and in a conversation with Plyushkin sits an important gentleman who has seen a lot in life. Straightforwardness is alien to Chichikov. He is happy only because he is making a profitable deal. Chichikov even hums after he successfully acquired dead souls from Plyushkin. We see that even the speech is filled with vulgar words, this is especially represented in the conversation with Nozdryov about beautiful blonde. Chichikov is forced to flee the city, but this time he has achieved his goal, he has moved one step closer to his happy moments, and everything else is not important to him.
Detailed hero analysis
Chichikov is considered mainly around whom the plot of the poem is set. This can be understood from the first pages, when the author begins to describe the character of the hero and his environment. Gogol himself was not sure that readers would like Chichikov. Such a statement seems absurd only until the moment Pavel Ivanovich shows his true nature.
Initially Gogol shows positive sides Chichikov: his ability to conduct a conversation, direct it in the right direction, the ability to stop in time or, conversely, to notice many details with just one apt word. This all shows the character’s experience, good manners, noble behavior and intelligence. Everyone with whom the hero communicated notes different positive traits his character. This suggests that Pavel Ivanovich skillfully knew how to select the keys to communication with completely different people, both in age and status.
Gogol considers it important to show a biography in the image of the hero, during the narration of which he notes why the character became what he is now. The construction of Chichikov’s existing appearance began in childhood, when his father explained little boy simple truths, like the fact that every penny should be saved. As a result, this led to the fact that Pavel Ivanovich learned to find benefits in many ways. There are even words that Chichikov made a living by creating and selling wax and beautifully painted bullfinches.
As he gets older, the character learns to understand people. Having learned well from his institute authorities, he easily found ways to communicate. As a result, he was given a good certificate with a mark of proper behavior. Thinking about what would happen to him next, it was easiest for Chichikov to imagine himself in the role of a rich and accomplished person.
The hero’s bad character is especially evident during his service in various organizations. Through bribes and fraud, the character quickly becomes rich. But not correct behavior they notice, he is quickly exposed and the result of all affairs is complete failure. After several failures, Chichikov decides: he needs to acquire dead souls.
Chichikov knew that the audit and taxes paid by landowners during its implementation hit the owners of souls painfully in their wallets. It works out much cheaper if we count those who died during the break between revisions as alive.
That is why the hero is in provincial town. His target is dead souls. As soon as he was in the city, he had to act. He intensively attended city events, visited officials, got to know them and flattered them. Chichikov tried to find out who could provide him with dead souls. This suggests that there is a place for cold-blooded prudence in the image.
It was not difficult for Chichikov to make friends here. He skillfully built the connections he needed even with such individuals whose quirks are not easy to come to terms with and understand. Showing his qualities as a dreamer, Pavel Ivanovich received free Manilova dead souls, he also received them from Sobakevich and from Korobochka.
“Scoundrel” - that’s what his author says about Chichikov.
And indeed, no matter how much lively and interesting things are added to the image of Pavel Ivanovich, his negative qualities do not remain aside. This “bad” side of him completely covers up all the good that could be observed. Selfishness, reluctance to take someone else's side, the desire to get a high income and non-participation in public affairs - this is what Gogol's hero Chichikov Pavel Ivanovich mainly combines. And the existing manifestations of a condescending attitude and understanding in rare cases, the ability to have fun are only qualities that show a living person.
Gogol very skillfully emphasized the uncertainty in the image of Chichikov; outwardly, his character is neither fat nor thin, neither handsome nor ugly. The character's character is quite complex; it is sometimes difficult to understand him. Gogol, carefully examining the actions and thoughts of the hero, leads the reader to the idea that there is some justice in Chichikov’s reasoning, but at the same time calls him a scoundrel.
The main subject of attention in “Dead Souls” was the new type of “owner, acquirer” in Russian literature. The purpose of depicting this hero is “to stare at him with an inquisitive gaze, to probe him to the original causes” and to remove the veneer of external decency:
Everything was reflected in him that is needed for this world: pleasantness in turns and actions, and agility in business affairs...
The newcomer somehow knew how to find himself in everything and showed himself to be experienced socialite. Whatever the conversation was about, he always knew how to support it... He argued, but somehow extremely skillfully, so that everyone saw that he was arguing, and yet he was arguing pleasantly. He never said: “you went,” but “you deigned to go,” “I had the honor to cover your deuce,” and the like. He spoke neither loudly nor quietly, but absolutely as he should. In a word, no matter where you turn, he was a very decent person.
But it is not only the ability to hide his vices under the guise of virtue that distinguishes Chichikov from other heroes. "We must do justice force majeure his character,” writes Gogol. Energy, enterprise, and business acumen seem to lift Chichikov above the frozen world of “dead souls.” It was with the image of Chichikov that Gogol’s plans for the spiritual resurrection and rebirth of man were connected. Echoes of these ideas can already be heard in the first volume, although Gogol wrote it on the model of Dante’s “Divine Comedy”, and Chichikov plays the role of Virgil, a guide to “hell” of “dead souls”.
“Living” and “dead” are closely intertwined in Chichikov. The hero needs money not as a goal, but as a means. And although Gogol ironizes Chichikov’s concern for non-existent descendants, nevertheless, dreams of home and family are deeply significant for the author. And if Plyushkin destroys his family with his stinginess, then Chichikov, as soon as he has funds, starts a house and begins to look after the owner. The desire for family happiness also determines the attention paid to the governor’s daughter. Chichikov’s thoughts about the fate of the girl echo the author’s thoughts about “initial causes”, about the conditions for the formation of characters:
She is now like a child, everything about her is simple, she will say whatever she wants, laugh wherever she wants to laugh. You can make anything out of her, she can be a miracle, or she can turn out to be rubbish, and she will turn out to be rubbish1.. Where does the pout and primness come from, she will begin to toss and turn according to the established instructions, she will begin to rack her brains and figure out with whom, and how, and how much you need to say how to look at someone, every minute she will be afraid, so as not to say more than necessary, she will finally get confused herself, and will end up lying all her life, and it will just come out like God knows what!
Chichikov is the only hero whose life is presented not in separate episodes, but sequentially, step by step. True, in the poem itself Chichikov appears and acts as an already established character, but in the exposition (Chapter 11) his formation is shown.
Analyzing chapter 11, pay attention to how Chichikov mastered the “science of life”, highlight the main stages of character development:
Origin (“The origin of our hero is dark and modest. His parents were nobles, but whether they were important or personal, God knows”);
Childhood (“At the beginning, life looked at him somehow sourly and unpleasantly, no friend, no comrade in childhood!”);
Father’s instructions (“Look, Pavlusha, study, don’t be stupid and don’t hang around, but most of all please your teachers and bosses.. Don’t hang out with your comrades, they won’t teach you any good; and if it comes to that, hang out with those who are richer , so that on occasion they can be useful to you... and most of all, take care and save a penny, this thing is more reliable than anything in the world... a penny will not give you away, no matter what trouble you are in");
Studying at school (“He suddenly realized and understood the matter and behaved in relation to his comrades in exactly the same way that they treated him, and he not only never, but even sometimes, hid the received treat, then sold it to them”);
Service in the treasury chamber;
Work at customs;
The idea of buying up “dead souls” (“Yes, if I bought all these who died out, have not yet submitted new revision tales, buy them, let’s say, a thousand, yes, let’s say, the guardianship council will give two hundred rubles per soul: that’s two hundred thousand capital1")
Complete the examples provided with analysis from Chapter 11.
Does it typify the psychology of Chichikov - the “acquirer”? Compare his statements with the reasoning of officials in “The Inspector General”:
Who is yawning in office now? - everyone buys. I didn’t make anyone unhappy: I didn’t rob the widow, I didn’t let anyone go around the world, I used the excess, I took where anyone would take; If I hadn't used it, others would have.
What side of Chichikov's character is revealed in the episode with the governor's daughter? Refer to the text of Chapter 8, consider the hero’s behavior at the ball. Why does Chichikov retreat from his role of “pleasing all people without exception,” because he “very skillfully knew how to flatter everyone”?
Pay attention to the details (speech, forms of behavior), which not only prove Chichikov’s ability to “flatter everyone,” but show the hero’s transformation, the ability to speak with everyone in his language:
Farewell to Manilov:
“Here,” he put his hand on his heart, “yes, here will be the pleasure of the time spent with you. And believe me, there would be no greater bliss for me than to live with you, if not in the same house, then at least in the immediate neighborhood... Oh, it would be heavenly life! Farewell, most respected friend!
Conversation with Sobakevich:
Just give me a receipt.
Okay, give me the money here!
What's the money for? I have them in my hand! As soon as you write a receipt, you will take them that very minute.
Excuse me, how can I write a receipt? First you need to see the money!
About the conversation with Korobochka:
Here Chichikov completely went beyond the limits of all patience, slammed his chair on the floor in his heart and promised her the devil.
What episodes of the poem does Gogol refer the reader to in explaining the character of the hero? Does Chichikov have anything in common with such “acquirers” as Korobochka and Sobakevich? Is it only on the “environment” that the author places the blame for the “scoundrel” hero? Compare thoughts about human passions with discussions about the path of man, about youth and old age, remember what Gogol calls young people to. What features of Chichikov can be the key to a possible resurrection? How do environment, man, “heaven” relate in Gogol’s world?) Answer the questions based on the analysis of Chichikov’s image:
It is fairer to call him: owner, acquirer. Acquisition is the fault of everything; because of him, deeds were born, to which the light gives the name not very pure... Countless as sea sands, human passions, and all are different from one another, and all of them, low and beautiful, are all at first submissive to man, and then they become his terrible rulers... And, perhaps, in this same Chichikov, the passion that attracts him is no longer from him, and in his cold existence lies what will later bring man to dust and to his knees before the wisdom of heaven.
“What a huge, what an original plot! What a varied bunch! All Rus' will appear in it!” - Gogol wrote to Zhukovsky. How much did the writer manage to complete the task) How fully “all Rus'” appeared in “Dead Souls”) Compare the image of Russia in the epic narrative and lyrical digressions.
And nameless suffering...
Dear mom, today is exactly three months since you kissed me and left for your important business trip. Don’t think, everything is fine with us, dad and I have almost learned how to cook breakfast and clean up after ourselves
In 1946, the story of the Soviet author Boris Nikolaevich Polevoy “The Tale of a Real Man” was published. It tells the amazing story of a pilot who, during the Great Patriotic War
Characteristics of Chichikov are the topic of this article. What can we say about this hero from the work “Dead Souls”? Belinsky, a famous Russian critic, remarked in 1846 that, as an acquirer, Chichikov was no less, and perhaps more than Pechorin, a hero of our time. He can buy “dead souls”, collect donations for various charitable institutions, and acquire railway shares. It doesn’t matter what kind of activity someone like him does. Their essence remains unchanged.
Author's description 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, he only accepts various shapes, depending on time and place. In the poem "Dead Souls" the action begins with the reader becoming acquainted with the main character. What is the characteristic of Chichikov? This is the “golden mean”, neither this nor that. The author, describing him, notes that he is not a handsome man, but also not a “bad-looking” person, not very thin, but not too fat, not old, but not young either. Chichikov Pavel Ivanovich is a venerable collegiate adviser. This is Chichikov’s characterization at the beginning of the work.
Visits made by Chichikov in the city
Where does he begin his stay in the city? From numerous visits: to the prosecutor, vice-governor, governor, tax farmer, police chief, head of local state-owned factories, etc. Chichikov, behaving like a well-intentioned 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 the police chief Chichikov said something flattering about the city guards. He mistakenly called the Chairman of the House and the Vice-Governor “Your Excellency” twice. Chichikov paid a compliment to the governor's wife, decent for a middle-aged man who has not too little, but not too much rank. Quote characteristic Chichikova 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, endure a lot in his service for the truth, and make many enemies who even attempted on his life.
Ability to carry on a conversation
The characterization of Chichikov (“Dead Souls”) can be complemented by his masterful ability to maintain a conversation. Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol writes that if it was a question of a horse farm, he talked about it, but he could also make sensible comments about good dogs. Moreover, Chichikov did this with “some kind of sedateness,” he spoke neither quietly nor loudly, but exactly as he should, he knew how to behave well. As we see, he learned to wear the mask of imaginary decency and vulgarity masterfully. Under this guise of a completely decent, decent gentleman, the true characteristics of Chichikov (“Dead Souls”), the content of his actions and thoughts, were hidden.
The author's attitude towards Chichikov in the first chapter
The author in the first chapter only allegorically, indirectly expresses his attitude towards Chichikov and his actions. And this hero himself, talking about the world of thick and thin, hints at his true vision of the world around him. He says that the fat ones manage their affairs better than the “thin” ones, who mostly serve on special assignments and “wander here and there.” The quotation description of Chichikov helps to better understand this image. The main character is attributed by Gogol to the world of fat people who sit firmly and securely in their places. By confirming the appearance of who Chichikov seems to be, the author is thus preparing to expose him, to reveal the truth about him.
First successful transactions
The deal with Manilov is the first success. She strengthens Pavel Ivanovich’s confidence in the safety and ease of the scam he has planned. The hero, inspired by his first success, is in a hurry to make new deals. Chichikov meets Korobochka on the way to Sobakevich, who showed him that the enterprise he conceived requires caution and subtlety, and not just persistence. This lesson, however, did not benefit Chichikov. He hurries to Sobakevich, but unexpectedly meets Nozdryov and decides to go to him.
Chichikov at Nozdryov's
Among Nozdryov’s main qualities, almost the main one was the passion to “spoil one’s neighbor,” sometimes without any reason. And Pavel Ivanovich unwittingly falls for this bait. Nozdryov ultimately 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 acting carelessly in talking about such a delicate matter with Nozdryov. As we see, determination and perseverance, when taken too far, turn into a disadvantage.
Purchasing “dead souls” from Sobakevich
Chichikov finally arrives at Sobakevich. The characterization of Chichikov by other characters is interesting. They all have different tempers, and everyone has their own attitude towards the main character. Sobakevich is a persistent and resourceful person when it comes to his benefits. He guesses, most likely, why Chichikov needs “dead souls”. Sobakevich bargains godlessly, and besides, he also praises his dead peasants. He says that Eremey Sorokoplekhin, who traded in Moscow, brought in 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. The 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 tsarist Russia at that time rested. Meanwhile, the lack of understanding of the need for daily work, the inability to do any useful work, brings these heroes together and leads them to disastrous results. The characterization of Chichikov and Plyushkin is very unattractive. And this is the support of the state, the “tables of society”! Helps to discover interesting connections in a work Comparative characteristics Chichikova...
Deal with Plyushkin
The enterprise conceived by Chichikov ends with a deal with Plyushkin. This landowner even loses his money. He put them in one of the boxes, where they were probably destined to remain until his death. Chichikov is now at his best. All the papers are signed, and he turns into a “millionaire” in the eyes of ordinary people. This Magic word, which 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 begin in the city, as well as in the reader’s mind. The author saved true biography his hero for the finale of the work, which finally gives a complete and true description of Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls”. Throughout it, Pavel Ivanovich seemed virtuous and decent, but under this guise, 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 this was the son of a semi-impoverished nobleman, whose face did not even resemble either his mother or his father. As a child, he had no friends or comrades. And then one fine day the father decided to send his child to the city school. There were no tears during parting with him, but Chichikov was given one smart and important instruction: to study, not to make a fool, not to hang around, to please bosses and teachers, to save a penny above all else, since this thing is the most reliable thing 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 leadership in the school classes and understood what “correct” behavior should be. Chichikov sat quietly in class and as a result, not having any special talents or abilities, received a certificate upon graduation, as well as a special book for trustworthy behavior and exemplary diligence. After graduating from college, Pavlusha plunged into reality: his father died, leaving him as an inheritance only 4 sweatshirts, irretrievably worn out, 2 old frock coats and a small amount of money.
At the same time, remarkably, another event occurs that reveals the true qualities of Chichikov, the future swindler. The teacher, who loved the meek student so much, was fired from the school. He disappeared into a forgotten kennel without a piece of bread. Former arrogant and rebellious students collected money for him, and only Pavel Ivanovich limited himself to a nickel, citing his extreme need.
The means by which Chichikov advanced in his career
Chichikov, it should be noted, was not stingy. However, he imagined future life with abundance and all the amenities: a well-appointed house, carriages, delicious dinners and expensive entertainment. For this reason, Pavel Ivanovich agreed to go hungry 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 care for the daughter of his boss. When he finally gets a promotion, he completely forgets about this family. Scams, bribes - this is the path Pavlusha took. He gradually achieves some visible well-being. But in the place of his former boss they appoint a military man, a strict man, in whom Chichikov could not gain the trust. And he is forced to look for other ways to arrange his well-being.
How Pavel Ivanovich “suffered in service”
The main character of the poem goes to another city. Here, by a lucky chance, he becomes a customs official and begins to conduct “commercial” relations with smugglers. This criminal conspiracy was discovered after some time, and all those responsible, including Chichikov, were brought to justice. This is how Pavel Ivanovich actually “suffered in his service.” Chichikov, taking care of his offspring, decides to commit another scam, which Gogol describes in detail in the poem “Dead Souls”.
Chichikov - a hero of our time
So, Chichikov, who was brought face to face with the usual, traditional order of things, contributes through his actions to the destruction of the existing order. He lays the foundation for something new. Therefore, we can say in this sense that Chichikov is rightfully the hero of our time.
The characteristics of the hero of the work “Dead Souls” (Chichikov) were presented in this article. Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol wrote the poem that interests us in 1842. In it, he was able to talentedly and eloquently portray the destructiveness of the serfdom that existed at that time, its terrifying consequences for the entire Russian society. It is not just individual people who are degenerating - the people and the entire state are being destroyed along with them. We can say with confidence that the anti-serfdom works of Nikolai Vasilyevich played a certain role in the approach of abolition in our country