Dead Souls

Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol

Publisher: DigiCat

Summary

Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol's "Dead Souls" is a seminal work of Russian literature that deftly weaves dark humor with keen social commentary. The novel follows the misadventures of Chichikov, a notorious swindler who seeks to acquire deceased serfs—deemed 'dead souls'—in order to elevate his social status. Gogol employs a rich, satirical style that intricately critiques the bureaucratic absurdities and moral vacuity of Russian society in the 19th century, embedding sharp observations within a vivid narrative landscape that combines grotesque realism and surrealism. This exploration of themes such as identity, materialism, and the quest for social redemption marks "Dead Souls" as an essential precursor to later existential literature. Gogol, born in 1809 in what is now Ukraine, was deeply influenced by the cultural and political landscapes of his time. His own experiences with the complexities of Russian bureaucracy, combined with a profound interest in folklore and the human condition, propelled him to create a work that serves as both an indictment and a reflection of his society. Gogol's unique literary voice, characterized by its blend of humor and tragedy, positions him as a pivotal figure in the transition from Romanticism to Realism in Russian literature. "Dead Souls" is a must-read for those interested in the intricacies of human nature and societal critiques. With its masterful blend of satire and philosophical depth, the novel invites readers to reflect on moral dilemmas and the absurdities of life. Whether one approaches it from a literary, historical, or cultural perspective, Gogol's work continues to resonate, making it a timeless classic in the canon of world literature.

Available since: 06/13/2022.

Print length: 354 pages.

Other books that might interest you

The Gift of the Magi

O. Henry

A well-known story of holiday generosity and true love, The Gift of the Magi has long been a Christmas classic.
 
Husband and wife Jim and Della want to give each other beautiful gifts for the holiday, but they have very little money. On Christmas Eve, each of them makes a bold sacrifice to give the other something truly special.
 
First published in 1905 in The New York Sunday World, O. Henry’s tale is just as relevant and touching now as ever.

Show book

The Cricket on the Hearth

Charles Dickens

Book 3 in Dickens' Christmas Books.

The cricket of the title in this story comes to represent the life and home of John Peerybingle and his younger wife, Dot. When things go well, the cricket on the hearth chirps; it is silent when there is sorrow. Tackleton, a jealous old man, poisons John's mind about Dot, but the cricket, through its supernatural powers, restores John's confidence and all ends happily.
Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English writer and social critic. He is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognized him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely enjoyed, performed, and adapted today.

Show book

Jude the Obscure

Thomas Hardy

A powerful critique of Victorian society's social constraints and the crushing weight of expectations. The story revolves around Jude Fawley, a working-class dreamer with aspirations of becoming a scholar at the prestigious university in Christminster. Hindered by societal norms, Jude's ambitions are thwarted at every turn, leading him into complicated relationships and heart-wrenching decisions. The novel explores themes of love, marriage, class divisions, and the limitations imposed by a rigid society. Hardy's unflinching portrayal of human struggles and the hardships of fate leaves a profound impact on readers, earning "Jude the Obscure" a reputation as one of the author's most powerful and controversial works. 
 
Thomas Hardy, an English novelist and poet, is celebrated for his poignant and often tragic depictions of rural life in England during the 19th century. His works, including "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," "Far from the Madding Crowd," and "Jude the Obscure," explored themes of fate, society's constraints, and the complexities of human relationships, making him one of the significant figures of English literature.

Show book

What Will Pay? (Unabridged)

Booker T. Washington

Booker Taliaferro Washington (April 5, 1856 - November 14, 1915) was an American educator, author, orator, and adviser to several presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was the dominant leader in the African American community and of the contemporary black elite. Washington was from the last generation of black American leaders born into slavery and became the leading voice of the former slaves and their descendants. They were newly oppressed in the South by disenfranchisement and the Jim Crow discriminatory laws enacted in the post-Reconstruction Southern states in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
WHAT WILL PAY: I wish to talk with you for a few minutes upon a subject that is much discussed, especially by young people-What things pay in life? There is no question, perhaps, which is asked oftener by a person entering upon a career than this-What will pay? Will this course of action, or that, pay?

Show book

The Brothers Karamazov

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Fyodor Dostoyevsky's final novel, considered to be the culmination of his life's work, "The Brothers Karamazov" is the story of the murder of Father Karamazov, whose four sons are all to some degree complicit in the crime. Within the context of this crime story evolves a brilliant philosophical debate of religion, reason, liberty, and the nature of guilt in society. Considered by Sigmund Freud as "The most magnificent novel ever written", the excellent translation of Constance Garnett is presented here in this edition of "The Brothers Karamazov".

Show book

The Jungle Book

Rudyard Kipling

"The Jungle Book" is a literary classic penned by British author Rudyard Kipling and first published in 1894. Set in the heart of the Indian jungle, it is a captivating collection of stories that combine adventure, morality, and the relationship between humans and animals. At its core, the book explores the idea of the "Law of the Jungle," which represents the rules and principles that govern life in the wild.
The central character of "The Jungle Book" is Mowgli, a young boy who finds himself orphaned in the jungle and subsequently raised by a pack of wolves. His upbringing in the jungle introduces him to the intricate web of life and survival strategies that animals employ. Mowgli learns to communicate with various creatures, developing unique friendships and alliances with the jungle's inhabitants.
Among his closest animal companions are Baloo, the jovial and wise bear who imparts valuable life lessons to Mowgli, and Bagheera, the sleek and protective black panther who serves as his guardian. Together, they guide Mowgli through the challenges of the jungle, instilling in him the importance of respecting nature and the Law of the Jungle.

However, not all of Mowgli's encounters in the jungle are friendly. Shere Khan, a fearsome Bengal tiger, serves as one of his primary adversaries. Shere Khan harbors a deep-seated animosity toward humans and poses a constant threat to Mowgli, leading to numerous confrontations throughout the story.

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was a British author best known for his works of fiction and poetry, often set in the context of the British Empire. He was born in Bombay, India, and spent a significant part of his life there, which greatly influenced his writing. Kipling's notable works include "The Jungle Book," "Kim," "Just So Stories,".

Show book