“The current generation now sees everything clearly, it marvels at the errors, it laughs at the folly of its ancestors, not seeing that this chronicle is all overscored by divine fire, that every letter of it cries out, that from everywhere the piercing finger is pointed at it, at this current generation; but the current generation laughs and presumptuously, proudly begins a series of new errors, at which their descendants will also laugh afterwards.”
Dead Souls: A Novel is a work of fiction that follows the protagonist, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, as he travels through the Russian countryside purchasing the titles of dead serfs, or 'souls,' from landowners. The narrative delves into themes of greed, corruption, and the emptiness of social ambition, offering a satirical critique of 19th-century Russian society. The book is known for its vivid character portrayals and its exploration of the human condition, though it remains a standalone piece without a definitive conclusion, as the author intended a multi-part structure that was never completed. more
Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol was a prominent 19th-century Russian dramatist and novelist. His works are known for their sharp satire and humor, which have had a profound impact on Russian literature. more
“Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want”
“you can't escape tomorrow's responsibilities by evading it today”
“The poison dart hidden in the raisin tart.”
“A good compromise leaves everyone angry.”
“Magic is the art of thinking, not strength or language.”