At the end of 1835, Nikolai Gogol graduated from one of his most famous works. Complicated and painstaking work on the comedy The Examiner took more than eight years. The genius of the writer was the central image. He served as a symbol of all the destructive that the author saw in Russian society and what he had sought to tell about for so long. An essay on the theme “The Image of Khlestakov” is not an easy job. How to fulfill it, where to start and what is the main idea of ​​Gogol's comedy, this article will tell.
Unique image
Where to start the composition? A lot of critical articles have been written on the topic “Image of Khlestakov”. The innovation of the author who created this hero was that in one character he collected all the evil that could be observed in bureaucratic and secular society. At the time of writing the comedy, the image of Khlestakov was absolutely unique. A school essay, the theme of which is the characterization of this unsightly character, should be based primarily on the urgency of the issue that the Russian writer raised. Although, it should be said that the Khlestakovs are still not extinct.
Unsuccessful official
What idea was captured during the creation of his immortal comedy Gogol N.V.? An essay on the theme “Image of Khlestakov”, as a rule, begins with a brief biography of the hero. After analyzing it, you can understand the author’s intention. The central hero of the “Examiner” appears in the eyes of the reader as a typical representative of the official. He turned around for some time in departments and ministries, got smart phrases in coffee houses and shops. Somewhere I saw and heard something. Above all, he aspired to money, ranks and a career. But he possessed a very modest mind, and therefore could not realize his dreams of a beautiful social life and went to the village.
Khlestakovschina
It is not easy to write an essay on the theme “The Image of Khlestakov”, because often this hero is perceived quite unambiguously. And this is the main mistake. This image is inextricably linked with other characters and, most importantly, with the main idea of ​​Gogol's work. In each of them, although to a different degree, Khlestakovism is present. Therefore, in order to write a good full-fledged essay on the theme “The Image of Khlestakov”, it is necessary to comprehend the main idea of ​​the author.
What is Khlestakov thinking?
Lightness and pathological carelessness reigns in his head. Khlestakov is ready for any adventure. He loves to have fun, gamble and have fun. And suddenly a convenient case comes up. In the city where he arrives, they expect an auditor. Khlestakov is mistaken for a significant official. Here you can determine its first characteristic feature, namely, the love of adventures, which, perhaps, would not be so dangerous, if not for endless stupidity. An essay on the theme “Image of Khlestakov” can be built according to the following plan:
- Appearance and manners of the hero.
- Impostor Auditor.
- Thoughtless lies.
But when writing an essay on such a plan, the concept of "Khlestakovism" should be defined. And it means a combination of negative character traits of this hero.
Lying
Khlestakov is lying constantly. And in the way other actors perceive his lies, a comedy feature is manifested. When Khlestakov speaks the truth, they do not believe him. But they listen carefully, without questioning them. Before you start writing an essay on a work, the image of Khlestakov must be compared with other characters. A comparative characteristic allows you to suddenly discover that they all have something in common. No wonder Gogol said that each of us is sometimes made Khlestakov. Rarely does anyone ever happen to them at least once in a lifetime. The mayor, the postmaster Shpekin, Osip - they all also have a bit of Khlestakovism.
At the beginning of the comedy, it seems that the main character is extremely naive. He with innocence perceives circumstances in which he suddenly finds himself. Khlestakov understands that he is mistaken for another person, but not only does not reject it, but happily enters a new role.
Appearance and Manners
Khlestakov is a young man of twenty years old. He is thin, thin and has a silly facial expression. As for his temperament, he is very complacent and pathologically inconsistent. He speaks and acts completely irrational, because he is completely deprived of the ability to think sensibly.
Characteristic
In order to write the work “The Image of Khlestakov in the Comedy of N. V. Gogol”, the work should be re-read. The fact is that the author gives the characterization of the hero gradually. With each scene, this image unfolds brighter. It is known that he hails from the Saratov province. I went about two months ago to the capital, but did not succeed at all in the service. Khlestakov was in the front nobles and therefore knows how to look and how to speak. But his thinking is so limited that he is absolutely unable to understand what the work of those important gentlemen that he saw in the ministry is. Khlestakov himself, of course, does not suspect his ignorance.
With all his illogical behavior, this hero is trying to prove not only to others, but even to himself that he belongs to the upper world. And therefore, he loses the last money, remains without money and runs the risk of being in prison.
Self-interest
Khlestakov is lying selflessly. He himself begins to believe in his words. This hero is not as frivolous as it might seem at first. Indeed, realizing that he was mistaken for an “important bird,” or rather, for a person holding a responsible public office, he seeks to get the most out of it.
Meanness and ingratitude
Khlestakov begins to extort money, take bribes. In addition, dragging on the daughter and wife of the mayor. When the impostor finally realizes that the game is too dangerous, he sends his St. Petersburg friend a letter with a negative description of the city officials. And here another feature of his character is manifested - ingratitude. Khlestakov forgets about money, about dinner parties, and receptions.
The comedy The Examiner was created in the second half of the 19th century. But this work has not lost its significance today. Among us there are postmasters, city officials. Each of us at least once met Khlestakov. And it’s a disaster for someone who on his life’s journey meets the modern version of Gogol’s hero, who only has a sharp mind and cold mind, which the impostor auditor was completely deprived of.