Genre
Satire, epic novel
Setting and Context
The novel is set in 19th century Russia. It occurs in two unnamed small towns.
Narrator and Point of View
The novel is narrated in the third person, with an omniscient narrator who makes various interjections. The narrator recounts the events in the text, but does not appear as a character and has access to the different characters' thoughts and emotions.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the novel is satirical and dark. The mood is grim.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist of the novel is Chichikov. The antagonist is Nozdriov.
Major Conflict
The main conflict of the novel is Chichikov's pursuit of wealth and status being thwarted.
Climax
The climax of the novel is Chichikov being kicked out of town.
Foreshadowing
N/A
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
The story alludes to the myth of Prometheus and the poet Ovid. There are also mentions of various moments in Russian history.
Imagery
N/A
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
N/A
