The video discusses the socio-economic system of Russia in 1842, a system Gogol pillories by featuring a scamp who is intent on taking advantage of the system itself. But the book is far more than a Russian type of Uncle Tom's Cabin. I regard Dead Souls as a social and economic satire, filled with subtle barbs directed at various aspects of Russian society, aided by symbolism. For example, the journey motif begins in the very first paragraph with the description of the coach wheels turning as Chichikov journeys into the heart of Russia. Gogol's characters are not stereotypes or caricatures, but they utilize a technique Dickens perfected -- taking one aspect of a character, usually an unpleasant, but amusing one, and making it the defining element of the character. Like Dickens, Gogol's literary touch is uneven; some episodes are strained to the point of absurdity; but the novel is all thematically of a piece. Even in translation, Gogol's workmanship is apparent. I highly recommend the book to literary readers. It is far better than anything being published in NYC or Moscow today.
I hated this! Just a horrible horrible book he just keeps talking about Russia's scenery and the main character is a grade-A asshole. The only good character was the one who plays cards with him and cheats. Maybe it was my fault that I had high expectations from this, I started this after reading 'the brothers Karamazov which is probably the finest novel I've ever read.
It took me two reads to "get" the book, to get that it is a comedy. Ya, it doesn't hold a candle to BK - I agree. I am interested in Russian scenery, etc., so that stuff doesn't bore me. I love your passion! lol
[mad chuckling] I've read that Russian literature is so bad, well, not bad, but so something that it improves when it's translated to English. A Russian living in exile also says it is THE book to explain Russia: Vlad Vexler (YT channel) episode: "THIS explains why Russia starts insane wars" I've read 2 Russian novels because I thought I should, and could not enter a "suspension of disbelief" with either of them. That's when the reader allows their mind to pretend it's real while reading.
@@veramae4098 Russian literature is the best thing in this world just read the brothers Karamazov or the idiot or anything else written by Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Tolstoy etc but this is shit! Dostoevsky blew me apart in less than 150 pages of notes from the underground, call me a retard by I hate dead souls from the bottom of my heart. How is it a comedy is beyond me?? I just had a few chuckles in the first part of the book.
@@Barklord the overcoat was brilliant but I just got extremely bored by dead souls. Am currently reading master and the margarita and by god that thing is unputdownable!
Very helpful review. Thanks
BRILLIANT..one of the best book reviews I've seen.🇬🇧
thank you so much,you explained it very vividly.
The video discusses the socio-economic system of Russia in 1842, a system Gogol pillories by featuring a scamp who is intent on taking advantage of the system itself. But the book is far more than a Russian type of Uncle Tom's Cabin. I regard Dead Souls as a social and economic satire, filled with subtle barbs directed at various aspects of Russian society, aided by symbolism. For example, the journey motif begins in the very first paragraph with the description of the coach wheels turning as Chichikov journeys into the heart of Russia.
Gogol's characters are not stereotypes or caricatures, but they utilize a technique Dickens perfected -- taking one aspect of a character, usually an unpleasant, but amusing one, and making it the defining element of the character. Like Dickens, Gogol's literary touch is uneven; some episodes are strained to the point of absurdity; but the novel is all thematically of a piece. Even in translation, Gogol's workmanship is apparent. I highly recommend the book to literary readers. It is far better than anything being published in NYC or Moscow today.
I have watched the whole video they way you have showed the images are extraordinary 👍🙏
thanks so much!
I hated this! Just a horrible horrible book he just keeps talking about Russia's scenery and the main character is a grade-A asshole. The only good character was the one who plays cards with him and cheats. Maybe it was my fault that I had high expectations from this, I started this after reading 'the brothers Karamazov which is probably the finest novel I've ever read.
It took me two reads to "get" the book, to get that it is a comedy. Ya, it doesn't hold a candle to BK - I agree. I am interested in Russian scenery, etc., so that stuff doesn't bore me. I love your passion! lol
[mad chuckling] I've read that Russian literature is so bad, well, not bad, but so something that it improves when it's translated to English.
A Russian living in exile also says it is THE book to explain Russia:
Vlad Vexler (YT channel)
episode: "THIS explains why Russia starts insane wars"
I've read 2 Russian novels because I thought I should, and could not enter a "suspension of disbelief" with either of them. That's when the reader allows their mind to pretend it's real while reading.
@@veramae4098 Russian literature is the best thing in this world just read the brothers Karamazov or the idiot or anything else written by Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Tolstoy etc but this is shit! Dostoevsky blew me apart in less than 150 pages of notes from the underground, call me a retard by I hate dead souls from the bottom of my heart. How is it a comedy is beyond me?? I just had a few chuckles in the first part of the book.
@@Barklord the overcoat was brilliant but I just got extremely bored by dead souls. Am currently reading master and the margarita and by god that thing is unputdownable!