Brief description of Chichikov's dead souls. Essay on the topic “The image of Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls”

Poem " Dead Souls» occupies a special place in Gogol's work. 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 morals of different layers 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.” Close-up The poem shows landowners, owners of serf souls, “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 criminal world of landowner-bureaucratic Russia.

The main character of the work is Chichikov- up to last chapter of the first volume remains a mystery to everyone: both for officials of the city of N and for 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 behavior of his interlocutors. Talking about Chichikov’s meeting with Korobochka, Gogol says that in Russia a person talks differently to the owners of two hundred, three hundred, five hundred souls: “... even if you reach a million, there will be all shades.”

Chichikov has studied people well, knows how to find a benefit in any situation, and always says what they would like to hear from him. So, with Manilov, Chichikov is pompous, amiable and flattering. He talks to Korobochka without any special ceremony, and his vocabulary is in tune with the style of the hostess. Communication with the arrogant liar Nozdryov is not easy, since Pavel Ivanovich does not tolerate familiar treatment, “...unless the person is of too high a rank.” However, hoping for a profitable deal, he does not leave Nozdryov’s estate until the last moment and tries to become like him: he addresses himself as “you,” adopts a boorish tone, and behaves familiarly. The image of Sobakevich, personifying the thoroughness of a landowner's life, immediately prompts Pavel Ivanovich to conduct as thorough a conversation as possible about dead souls. Chichikov manages to win over the “hole in the human body” - Plyushkin, who has long lost touch with outside world and forgot the rules of politeness. To do this, it was enough for him to play the role of a “motishka”, ready, at a loss to himself, to save a casual acquaintance 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 the episodes in the poem where Chichikov is left alone with himself and does not need to adapt to those around him. While examining the city of N, Pavel Ivanovich “teared off a poster nailed to a post so that when he came home, he could read it thoroughly,” and after reading it, “he folded it neatly and put it in his little chest, where he used to put everything he came across.” This is reminiscent of the habits of Plyushkin, who collected and stored various kinds of rags and toothpicks. The colorlessness and uncertainty that accompany Chichikov until the last pages of the first volume of the poem make him similar to Manilov. That is why officials of the provincial city are making ridiculous guesses, trying to establish the true identity of the hero. Chichikova's love for neatly and pedantically arranging everything in his little chest brings him closer to Korobochka. Nozdryov notices that Chichikov looks like Sobakevich. All this suggests that in the character of the main character, as in a mirror, the traits of all landowners were reflected: 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, and determination, although morally he does not rise at all above the owners of serf souls. Many years of bureaucratic activity left a noticeable imprint on his demeanor and speech. Evidence of this is the warm welcome given to him in the provincial “high society”. Among officials and landowners he new person, the acquirer who will replace the Manilovs, Nozdrevs, Sobakevichs and Plyushkins.

Chichikov's soul, just like the souls of landowners and officials, became dead. The “brilliant joy of life” is inaccessible to him; he is almost completely devoid of human feelings. In order to achieve his practical goals, he pacified his blood, which “played strongly.”

Gogol sought 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 help but affect his future fate. His father left him an inheritance of half a copper and a covenant to study diligently, please teachers and bosses, and, most importantly, save a penny. Pavlusha learned his father’s instructions well and directed all his energy towards achieving his cherished goal - wealth. He quickly realized that all lofty concepts only interfere with the achievement of his goal, and began to make his own way. At first, he acted childishly straightforwardly - he pleased the teacher in every possible way and thanks to this he became his favorite. As he grew up, he realized that you can find a special approach to each person, and began to achieve more significant success. Promising to marry the daughter of his boss, he received a position as a military officer. While serving at customs, he managed to convince his superiors of his integrity, and later established contacts with smugglers and made a huge fortune. All of Chichikov’s brilliant victories ultimately ended in failure, but no failures could break his thirst for profit.

However, the author notes that in Chichikov, unlike Plyushkin, “there was no attachment to money for the sake of money, he was not possessed by miserliness and stinginess. No, it was not they who moved him - he imagined life ahead in all its pleasures, so that finally later, over time, he would certainly taste all this, that’s why the penny was saved.” Gogol notes that main character 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 selflessness 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 revival. 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,” according to him, was supposed to be the beginning of the resurrection of the entire society. But, unfortunately, the second volume " Dead souls"was burned, and the third was not written, so we can only assume how Chichikov’s moral revival took place.

All topics in the book “Dead Souls” by N.V. Gogol. Summary. Features of the poem. Essays":

Summary poem "Dead Souls":

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 what he quickly found with them mutual language.

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 communicating with absolutely different people, both by 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 wrong behavior is noticed, it 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 lively and interesting was added to the image of Pavel Ivanovich, his negative qualities do not remain on the sidelines. 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...

The poem “Dead Souls” is one of the most remarkable works of Russian literature. The great realist writer N.V. Gogol showed the whole hall modern Russia, satirically depicting landed nobility and provincial bureaucracy. But in the poem there is also absolutely new hero in Russian literature, a representative of the emerging class of “acquirers”. In the image of Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, Gogol brought to public attention the features of the “knight of a penny.”

At first glance, Chichikov gives the impression of a slippery, many-sided person. This is emphasized by his appearance: “In the chaise sat a gentleman who was not handsome, but not of bad appearance, neither too fat nor too thin, one cannot say that he was old, but not that he was too young.”

Chichikov, like a chameleon, is constantly changing. He is able to give his face the necessary expression to seem like a pleasant interlocutor. Speaking with officials, the hero of the poem “very skillfully knew how to flatter everyone.” Therefore, he quickly gains the necessary reputation in the city. Chichikov also finds a common language with the landowners from whom he buys dead peasants. With Manilov, he looks like a particularly amiable and courteous person, which charms the owner. At Korobochka, Noz-drevo, Sobakevich and Plyushkin, Chichikov behaves in accordance with the situation and knows how to find an approach to everyone. Only he did not catch Nozdryov in his net. But this was Chichikov’s only failure.

He uses all his ability to charm a person to achieve results. But he has one goal - wealth, and for the sake of this Pavel Ivanovich is ready to be a hypocrite, practicing for hours in front of the mirror. The main thing for him is money. The hero of the poem needs them not in themselves, but as a means of further accumulation. Even as a child, Chichikov well learned his father’s orders to please his bosses, be friends “with those who are richer” and save “a penny.” His father’s words sank into the boy’s soul: “You will do everything and ruin everything in the world with a penny.”

Possessing great mind“from the practical side,” Chichikov began saving money at school, profiting from his comrades and being particularly stingy. Already in those years the soul of this “acquirer” was revealed. Chichikov made his way through deception and sycophancy, stopping at nothing. He is cunning, steals from the state, and “cheats” his colleagues. Accuracy becomes his element.

Gradually, Chichikov’s scams became increasingly widespread. From a modest police officer to a customs official, Gogol traces the path of his hero. He strives to increase his fortune by any means. The hero immediately grabs onto the idea of ​​buying “dead souls.” Chichikov's entrepreneurial talent is not consistent with moral standards. There are no moral principles for him. Chichikov concludes with joy: “And now the time is convenient, not long ago there was an epidemic, a lot of people died out, thank God, a lot.” He builds his well-being on human grief, on the deaths of others.

Chichikov is the same creature of time as Onegin or Pechorin. Belinsky wrote about this, noting that “Chichikov, as an acquirer, is no less, if not more than Pechorin, a hero of our time.” Gogol shows this hero with all the power of his skill in the wonderful poem “Dead Souls,” which became an example of accusatory satire. The image of Chichikov should serve as a warning to those who are trying to get rich in any way, turning into a ruthless predator

Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov is the main character of the famous poem by N.V. Gogol's "Dead Souls", in the past he was an official and an inveterate careerist, who then became a clever swindler and manipulator. He travels through villages Russian outback, meets with various landowners and nobles, tries to earn their trust and thus do things profitable for himself.

Chichikov is interested in purchasing so-called “dead souls”, documents for serfs who have already died, but due to the fact that the population census was carried out once every few years, they are considered alive. An enterprising businessman plans to resell these souls along with the land, which he plans to buy for pennies, and earn good capital from it. The image of Chichikov is fresh and A New Look on the adventurous image of an entrepreneur in Russian literature.

Characteristics of the main character

("Chichikov Pavel Ivanovich. In front of the box" Artist P. Sokolov, 1890)

Chichikov's inner world remains mysterious and ambiguous for everyone until the last chapter in the book. The description of his appearance is averaged to the maximum: neither handsome nor ugly, not very fat, but not thin, neither old nor young. The main features of this hero are averageness (he is a quiet and inconspicuous gentleman, distinguished by pleasant manners, roundness and smoothness) and high degree entrepreneurship. Even his manner of communication does not reveal his character: he speaks neither loudly nor quietly, knows how to find an approach everywhere and is known as his own person everywhere.

Peculiarities inner world Chichikov is revealed through the manner of his communication with the landowners, whom he attracts to his side and, through skillful manipulation, persuades them to sell “dead souls.” The author notes the ability of a cunning adventurer to adapt to his interlocutor and copy his manners. Chichikov knows people well, finds his own benefit in everything and, like a subtle psychologist, tells people what they need.

(Illustration by V. Makovsky "Chichikov at Manilov")

Chichikov is an active and active person; it is very important for him not only to save what he has earned, but also to increase it (as many times as possible). Moreover, irrepressible greed does not torment him like Plyushkin, because money for him is only a means to ensure a decent life.

Chichikov comes from a poor, respectable family, and his father advised him to always please his superiors and get along with the right people, and taught him that “a penny opens any door.” Having no initial concepts about duty and conscience, Chichikov, having matured, understands that moral values ​​only interfere with achieving the goals set and therefore often neglects the voice of conscience, making a way in life with his own forehead.

(Illustration "Little Chichikov")

And although Chichikov is a swindler and a rogue, he cannot be denied perseverance, talent and ingenuity. At school, he sold buns to his classmates (who also treated him to them), at every job he tried to find his own profit and tried to get rich, and eventually came up with an idea with “ dead souls"and tried to pull it off, playing on the feelings and base instincts of the people around him. At the end of the work, Chichikov’s scam is discovered and becomes public knowledge, he is forced to leave.

The image of the main character in the work

("Chichikov's Toilet" Artist P.P. Sokolov 1966)

In his famous work, which took him 17 years of painstaking work, Gogol created a comprehensive picture of modern Russian realities and revealed a diverse gallery of characters and types of people of that time. The image of Chichikov, talented entrepreneur and an unprincipled swindler, represents, according to the author, “a terrible and vile force that is not capable of reviving the Fatherland.”

Trying to live according to the behests of his father, Chichikov tried to live frugally and save every penny, but realizing that in an honest way great wealth not making money, he finds a loophole in the Russian legislation of those years and begins to implement his plan. Having not achieved what he wanted, he brands himself as a swindler and a rogue, and is forced to abandon his plans.

What lesson this character learned from this situation remains unclear to us, because the second volume of this work was destroyed by the author, are we left to guess what happened next and whether Chichikov is to blame for what he tried to do or whether society and the principles to which it is subject are to blame.

A special place in the work of N.V. Gogol’s poem “Dead Souls” also plays in Russian literature, the basis of which was suggested to the writer by A.S. Pushkin. The poem gives us full picture way of life of Russian landowners, peasants and officials.

In the center is Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov. The image of the main character, as well as his role in the work, were never fully resolved. This man is revealed gradually in scenes of meetings with landowners. Moreover, Chichikov has some new manner of communication with each of them, which Gogol notices. Pavel Ivanovich is an excellent psychologist, he knows well human nature and knows how to say what is expected of him. Adopting the flattery and pomp of Manilov, the unceremoniousness of Korobochka and the rudeness of Nozdryov, Chichikov finds a common language with everyone. Let us note that he almost always achieves what he wants.

However, the fact that Chichikov is easily likened to each of the landowners does not speak in his favor at all. In him alone there are all the lowest human traits observed in different representatives. And Gogol gives clear confirmation of this throughout the poem. For example, storing street posters at home indicates hoarding, close to Plyushkin’s collecting. And what brings Chichikov together with Korobochka is his habit of arranging things with pedantic accuracy. That is, one person collected in himself all the unenviable traits and characteristics of landowners. He is colorless and empty, petty, narcissistic, rude and greedy.

And yet Chichikov is different. Pavel Ivanovich is distinguished from other characters by his business acumen and energy. These traits are not found in any of the heroes of the poem except Chichikov. Gogol warns that the Manilovs and Plyushkins will be replaced by the Chichikovs. The soul of Pavel Ivanovich has long been dead. He is only interested in getting rich at any cost.

In an effort to reveal the psychology of people like Chichikov, the author introduced into the poem the story of his life, starting from childhood. After all, it is in childhood the foundations of a person’s worldview are laid. The reader learns that Pavlusha had nothing interesting as a child: he did not know the love and affection of his family, and had no friends. After the death of his father, he was left without money, but with a phrase that he perfectly performed in later life. And his father’s advice most eloquently explains Chichikov’s position in life. My father bequeathed me to study diligently, please teachers, and save a penny.

Chichikov quickly learned the laws of acquiring wealth, starting from an early age by serving his teachers, and then by courting his superiors. Next, the author describes in vivid colors different stories and Chichikov's machinations. It is noteworthy that all his affairs ended in failure. But this only inflamed him. Chichikov was driven not by the thirst for profit, but by thirst beautiful life, full of pleasures.

The poem was written over several years, at different moments of the writer’s creative rise and decline. At one time, Gogol wanted to show that all was not lost for people like Pavel Ivanovich. Gogol planned to show the revival of the hero in the second volume of Dead Souls, the purpose of which was the spiritual purification of the hero and through him the purification of the entire society. However, in a fit of despair and spiritual crisis the second volume was destroyed.