“The Overcoat” by Nikolai Gogol

 “The Overcoat” by Nikolai Gogol is one of the most significant works in Russian literature and is regarded as a masterpiece of realism. Through its story, Gogol portrays the harsh realities of life for the lower social classes while addressing deep existential and social themes.

Plot

The story centres on Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin, a humble and lonely civil servant in St. Petersburg. Akaky leads a life filled with routine, where his work is the only source of meaning. He is weak, shy, and isolated, and his kindness and dedication to his job fail to earn him respect or protection. He is often mocked by his colleagues, to whom he responds: “Leave me alone. Why do you bother me? I am your brother.” («Оставьте меня, зачем вы меня обижаете? Я брат твой.»)

As his old overcoat becomes worn out, Akaky decides to save up money to buy a new one, symbolizing his need for social acceptance and a better life. “He finally learned to go to bed completely hungry in the evenings. But he nourished himself spiritually by focusing on the obsessive idea of the future overcoat.”

When he finally acquires the much-desired new overcoat, Akaky experiences a brief sense of joy and dignity. The overcoat becomes a symbol of his self-worth and social elevation. However, his happiness is tragically cut short when his coat is stolen. His efforts to seek justice prove futile, as the indifferent and callous bureaucracy ignores him.

Despair and hopelessness soon lead to Akaky’s death. In a twist of dark irony, Akaky returns as a ghost at the end of the story, haunting the city and stealing overcoats from passers-by. This eerie conclusion underscores the failure of the system to address basic human needs.

Themes of “The Overcoat” by Nikolai Gogol

1. Social Injustice and Indifference:Through Akaky, Gogol highlights society’s disregard for the weak and poor. The bureaucracy, instead of offering protection, is portrayed as a cold, indifferent system, oblivious to the struggles of ordinary people.

2. Identity and Social Acceptance:The overcoat symbolizes Akaky’s personal identity and social standing. Buying the coat provides him, albeit temporarily, with a sense of belonging and acceptance—something sorely missing in his marginalized and lonely life.

3. Existential Loneliness:Akaky represents the individual who lives and dies alone, leaving little impact on others. His isolation and inability to connect with those around him illustrate the existential loneliness of human existence.

4. Satirical Critique of Bureaucracy:Gogol uses bureaucracy as a symbol of rigid and unfeeling authority, more concerned with procedure than substance. The bureaucrats in the story are unable or unwilling to engage with human problems, serving as a critique of the power structures of Gogol’s Russia.

   
   

The “Little Man” Archetype

Akaky Akakievich embodies the literary archetype of the “little man” (маленький человек) in 19th-century Russian literature. The “little man” represents an ordinary, insignificant individual living on the margins of society, often in a lower social and economic position, and frequently subjected to injustice and humiliation by the more powerful.

The “little man” in Russian literature, like Akaky, typically symbolizes the victim of bureaucracy, injustice, and societal indifference. His innocence and humility make him a tragic hero, while society’s disregard for his plight is frequently underscored with irony and satire. Through such characters, Russian authors like Gogol offer critical commentary on the social and political structures of the time, shedding light on the struggles of the weak and marginalized.

Fun Fact! Akaky Akakievich’s name derives from the Greek word “akakos” (άκακος), which means “innocent” or “harmless,” reflecting his meek and kind-hearted nature.

Legacy

“The Overcoat” is a timeless story addressing themes of human dignity, social injustice, and isolation. Gogol’s depiction of Akaky’s tragic journey reminds readers of their responsibilities toward others and society.

The story’s influence on literature is profound. Fyodor Dostoevsky famously remarked, “We all came out from Gogol’s 'Overcoat',” acknowledging its impact on Russian literature. The story’s blend of tragic fate and satirical critique creates a multi-layered work that continues to be read and studied today.

Rusophia team 🖊️