Lyrical digressions in the poem Dead Souls play a huge role. They are so organically incorporated into the structure of this work that we no longer think of a poem without the author’s magnificent monologues. What is the role of lyrical digressions in the poem Dead Souls? Agree, we constantly feel thanks to their presence the presence of Gogol, who shares with us his feelings and thoughts about this or that event. In this article we will talk about lyrical digressions in the poem "Dead Souls", talk about their role in the work.
The role of lyrical digressions
Nikolai Vasilievich becomes not just the guide of the reader through the pages of the work. He is rather a close friend. The lyrical digressions in the poem Dead Souls prompt us to share with the author emotions that overwhelm him. Often, the reader expects that Gogol with his inimitable inimitable humor will help him overcome the sadness or indignation caused by the events in the poem. And sometimes we want to know the opinion of Nikolai Vasilyevich about what is happening. Lyrical digressions in the poem "Dead Souls", in addition, have great artistic power. In every way, every word we enjoy, admiring their beauty and accuracy.
Opinions on lyrical digressions expressed by the famous contemporaries of Gogol
Many contemporaries of the author appreciated the work "Dead Souls". Lyrical digressions in the poem also did not go unnoticed. Some famous people spoke about them. For example, I. Herzen noted that the lyrical place illuminates, enlivens the story in order to give way again to a picture that even more clearly reminds us of what hell we are in. The lyrical beginning of this work was also highly appreciated by V. G. Belinsky. He pointed to the humane, comprehensive and deep subjectivity that a person with a "pretty soul and warm heart" finds in the artist.
Thoughts Gogol Shares
Using lyrical digressions, the writer expresses his own attitude not only to the events and people described by him. They include, in addition, the assertion of the high destiny of man, the significance of great public interests and ideas. The author’s lyricism is based on thoughts about serving his country, about its sorrows, destinies and hidden gigantic forces. This manifests itself regardless of whether Gogol expresses his anger or bitterness about the insignificance of the characters depicted by him, whether he speaks of the role of the writer in modern society or of a lively, lively Russian mind.
First retreats
With great artistic tact Gogol included extra-plot elements in the work "Dead Souls". The lyrical digressions in the poem at the beginning are only statements by Nikolai Vasilievich about the heroes of the work. However, as the plot develops, topics become more versatile.
Gogol, talking about Korobochka and Manilov, interrupts his narration for a while, as if he wants to step aside for a while, so that the reader better understands the picture of life drawn by him. For example, the retreat, which interrupted the story of Korobochka Nastasya Petrovna in the work, contains her comparison with the "sister" belonging to the aristocratic society. Despite a slightly different appearance, she does not differ in anything from the local mistress.
Beautiful blonde
Chichikov on the road after visiting Nozdrev meets a beautiful blonde on her way. A remarkable lyrical digression concludes the description of this meeting. Gogol writes that everywhere a person will meet on the way at least once a phenomenon that is not like everything that he had seen before, and will awaken in him a new feeling, not like the usual. However, this is completely alien to Chichikov: the cold prudence of this hero is compared with the manifestation of the feelings inherent in man.
Derogations in the 5th and 6th chapters
The digression at the end of the fifth chapter is already of a completely different nature. The author here is not talking about his hero, not about his attitude to a particular character, but about the talent of the Russian people, about a powerful man living in Russia. This lyrical digression does not seem to be connected with the previous development of the action. However, it is very important for revealing the main idea of ​​the poem: the true Russia is not boxes, nostrils and dogevichs, but a folk element.
Closely connected with lyrical statements on the national character and the Russian word, and an inspired confession about youth, about the perception of life by Gogol, opening the sixth chapter.
The angry words of Nikolai Vasilievich, which have a generalizing deep meaning, interrupt the story of Plyushkin, who embodied the most vile feelings and aspirations in himself. Gogol is indignant at what "muck, pettiness and insignificance" a man could have reached.
The author's reasoning in chapter 7
Nikolai Vasilyevich begins the seventh chapter with discussions about the life and creative fate of the writer in a society contemporary to him. He talks about two different destinies that await him. A writer can become the creator of "exalted images" or a satirist, a realist. This lyrical digression reflects Gogol’s views on art, as well as the author’s attitude towards the people and the ruling society.
"Happy traveler ..."
Another digression, beginning with the words "Happy traveler ...", is an important stage in the plot development. It separates one link in the story from another. Statements of Nikolai Vasilievich illuminate the meaning and essence of both previous and subsequent paintings of the poem. This lyrical digression is directly related to the folk scenes depicted in the seventh chapter. It plays a very important role in the composition of the poem.
Statements about estates and ranks
In chapters devoted to the depiction of the city, we find Gogol's statements about the estates and ranks. He says that they are so "annoyed" that they think "personality" is all that is in the printed book. Apparently, this is the "location in the air."
Reflections on the fallacies of man
We see the lyrical digressions of the poem Dead Souls throughout the narrative. Gogol ends the description of the general turmoil with reflections on the false ways of man, his errors. Mankind has made many mistakes in its history. The current generation is arrogantly laughing at it, although it itself is starting a whole series of new misconceptions. His descendants in the future will laugh at the current generation.
Recent retreats
Gogol’s civil pathos reaches a special strength in the retreat "Rus! Rus! ...". It is, like the lyrical monologue placed at the beginning of Chapter 7, a clear line between the links in the narrative - the story of the origin of the main character (Chichikov) and city scenes. Here, the topic of Russia is already widely developed. It is "uncomfortable, scattered, poor." However, it is here that the heroes are born. Following this, the author shares with us thoughts that were inspired by the racing trio and the distant road. Nikolai Vasilievich one after another draws pictures of his native Russian nature. They arise before the gaze of a traveler racing along the autumn road on the fast horses. Despite the fact that the image of a three-bird was left behind, in this lyrical digression we feel it again.
The story of Chichikov concludes with a statement by the author, which is a sharp objection to whom the main character and the entire work as a whole, depicting "despicable and evil," can shock.
What do lyrical digressions reflect and what remains unanswered?
The author’s feelings of patriotism are reflected in lyrical digressions in the poem of N. V. Gogol "Dead Souls". The image of Russia, which completes the work, is covered in deep love. He embodied the ideal that illuminated the path of the artist in the depiction of vulgar petty life.
Speaking about the role and place of lyrical digressions in the poem "Dead Souls", I want to note one curious moment. Despite the numerous arguments of the author, the most important question for Gogol remains unanswered. But the question is where is Russia rushing. You will not find the answer to it by reading the lyrical digressions in Gogol's poem Dead Souls. Only the Most High could know what awaited this country, "inspired by God" at the end of the journey.