These last two in the Folio Society collection of Gogol’s stories, which I finished reading this afternoon, each exhibit his dark humour aimed at the military and government classes; each concerns an attempt to secure a desired object which backfires.
The author’s fluid descriptive skills show the environment and personnel involved in the escalation of a bid for an alleged magnificent horse to become a desire for an even more magnificent carriage, neither of which lived up to their expectations. As we move up the hierarchy it is apparent that it is they who are being ridiculed. The circumstances of the exposure of the falsities was farcical.
Deception, and promises of unprepared splendid meals has been employed to ensnare a military gentleman in The Carriage, a story in which the deceiver is exposed by accident.
“…many times afterwards in his life he shuddered, seeing how much savage brutality lies hidden under refined, cultured politeness, and, my God! Even in a man whom the world accepts as a gentleman and a man of honour” – so speaks Gogol of a man who has been the butt of cruel jokes as he struggles to work at a boring occupation throughout his life. It is his coveted overcoat that is the subject of the story of which I will say no more except to show
Peter Sturt’s illustration. There is no picture attached to The Carriage.
This evening we dined on more of Jackie’s penne Bolognese with green and runner beans sautéed in garlic butter, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Fleurie.
Wonderful stuff. I do love a good Fleurie.
Gogol’s Akakiy Akakievich would be quite satisfied with his boring job if it were not for his co-workers mistreating him. Gogol makes a point of emphasizing it. The character has become a symbol of a limited little man who is happy with his little lot yet does not understand why others are invariably mean to him. His ghost, appearing at the end, is not vengeful; he is simply trying to solve this puzzle.
Thank you very much for another important addition, Dolly. As usual I will alert readers
Both stories sound wonderful. I liked the illustration for the Overcoat. Dinner sounds delicious.
I’ve always enjoyed a good farce.
Mr. Gogol…an amazing writer!
Mr. Sturt…an amazing illustrator/artist!
Mr. Knight…Thank you for sharing them, and your great reviews, with us! I so enjoy your reviews!
(((HUGS))) 🙂 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 🙂
PS…Last night we made homemade Minestra Maritata (Italian Wedding soup)! 🙂
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
Another wonderful review with stunning illustrations. The pasta and vegetables with garlic butter sounds delicious.
Thank you very much, Merril.
Another wonderful review Derrick …
Thanks very much, Ivor
I love the illustrations, so rich, almost a deep blood red.
And while I remember to tell you, Otter Nurseries is on the schedule for Saturday. 🙂
Thanks very much, Sue.
This new site looks gorgeous, Derrick. Hello to Jackie and you!
Thank you very much from us both, Jodie
Seems that we humans never learn – a long told tale of over-expectation and greed. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks very much, Pam
Magnificent illustration! I have always wanted to read The Overcoat, and this post makes me want to read it even more.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Another interesting review with fascinating illustrations. Jackie’s meals always sound so enticing.
Thank you very much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
Gogols description of the environment and institutions is remarkable
Thank you very much, Gary
Gogol seems to have had a good understanding of the human condition.
He did. Unfortunately he died soon after these least two. Thanks very much Lavinia
Gogol always carries you along nicely with him. A much under-rated writer. The best pre-Revolution author, possibly?
He certainly has a claim, John. Thanks very much
The illustrations are always fascinating!
Thank you very much, Riba