The attitude of Chichikov to Manilov. Poem N.V. Gogol's "Dead Souls"

Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol is a recognized classic of Russian literature. And the greatest names in it are somehow connected with innovation. In this sense, Nikolai Vasilievich is no exception. For example, the work "Dead Souls" he called a poem, although it is written in prose and not poetry. In this he emphasized the special significance of his creation. We recall that the poem is a lyric epic volumetric work, which is distinguished by the wide coverage of the presented events, as well as the depth of content. However, this is not limited to Gogol's innovation.

Gogol's critical realism

In Russian literature with the advent of satirical works created by this author, a critical trend was reinforced at that time in realistic literature. Gogol's realism is saturated with scourging, accusatory power - this is its main difference from contemporaries and predecessors. The artistic method of the writer received the appropriate name. It is called critical realism. Gogol’s new is the sharpening of the main character traits of the characters. Hyperbole is becoming his favorite technique. This impression-enhancing exaggerated image of the main features.

A chapter on Manilov among other chapters on landowners

Before considering Chichikov’s attitude to Manilov, we briefly describe the structure of the work, the role of these two characters in it. The chapters on the landlords are an important part of the poem. They devoted more than half the volume of the first volume. Gogol arranged them in a manner that is strictly thought out: first, Manilov, a wasteful dreamer who is replaced by a frugal mistress Korobochka; the latter is opposed by Nozdrev, the rogue, the ruined landowner; after this, a turn follows again to the landowner-kulak - the economic Sobakevich. Closes the gallery Plyushkin - miser, embodying an extreme degree of degeneration of this class.

Techniques used by the author

When we read a work, we notice that the author repeats the tricks in the image of each of the landowners. First comes a description of the village, home, the appearance of a hero. After that follows a story about how he reacted to Chichikov’s proposal. Then comes the image of the relationship of this hero to each of the landowners and, finally, the scene of the sale. And this is no coincidence. A vicious circle of receptions was created by the author in order to show the backwardness, conservatism of provincial life, the narrow-mindedness and isolation of the landowners. It emphasizes dying and stagnation.

Characterization of Chichikov, his attitude towards Manilov

Almost to the last chapter of the work, Chichikov remains a stranger to the reader. The main character throughout the book does not say anything about himself. The activity of this person takes place only around the purchase of dead souls. One gets the feeling that he himself can be counted among them. Other characters also join this line. Each of them in its own way distorts human nature, which is reflected in the poem Dead Souls.

The image of Chichikov belongs to the type of "average person." Passion for profit replaces everything else for him. To the landowners, he refers according to their behavior in relation to the transaction. The main thing for him is to get dead souls. To those who easily provide him with such an opportunity, he is grateful. This we will see on the example of Manilov ("Dead Souls"). The image of Chichikov, in accordance with Gogol's tradition, hyperbolically depicts one main feature. In his case, it is a passion for profit. When committing a crime, Chichikov must be a subtle psychologist and physiognomist. However, he sees in the heroes only the particular that Gogol seeks to bring to the general, patrimonial. That which generalizes the images is already an author's characteristic. Chichikov’s attitude to Manilov, as well as to other landlords, is entirely based on the degree of success of business relations.

The image of Manilov

About Manilov, a courteous and "very courteous" landowner, we learn from the first chapter of "Dead Souls". In it, the author depicts the appearance of this hero, emphasizing his eyes, "sweet as sugar." Manilov’s character is manifested in a special manner of conversation, in the use of delicate speech turns. This hero’s ignorance of people, his magnanimity, comes to light when he assesses city officials as “most admirable” and “most respectable” people. Such is the characteristic of Manilov.

Gogol step by step inexorably reveals the vulgarity of this man. Satire replaces irony. The children of this landowner (Themistoklus and Alkid) are named after the ancient Greek generals in order to show that their parents are educated. Manilov is tearfully complacent, devoid of real feelings and living thoughts. This landowner himself is a dead soul, doomed to destruction like the entire autocratic-feudal system of our country at that time. Socially dangerous, harmful "manila." From their management, one can expect the most sad economic consequences.

Two faces of Manilov

What is Chichikov’s attitude towards Manilov? He meets this at first glance a pleasant person at the governor's ball. The main character immediately receives an invitation from him to visit his estate - Manilovka. After this, Chichikov meets with Manilov in the village.

The first impression of the protagonist: this is a glorious fellow. However, later the characteristics of the landowner change. We are already looking at him through the eyes of Gogol, who says that he is "neither in the city of Bogdan, nor in the village of Selifan." Hiding behind the external sweetness of this person, as we see, egoism and callousness, which reveals the author's description of Manilov. The landowner is busy only with his own person. He does not follow the farm at all. The affairs are managed by a housekeeper and clerk; theft thrives on his farm. This character is not particularly interested in anything. His leisure is completely occupied by pipe dreams and empty thoughts. He speaks very little, and it is not clear what is on his mind. Always on the table of this landowner was a book, which was laid on one page. Incompleteness reigned even in the setting of his home. For many years, part of the chairs stood upholstered with matting, lacking furniture in some rooms. This reveals the character of the landowner as well as possible. Manilov is rather a collective image, and not a specific person. It represents landowners belonging to the Nikolaev era.

Manilov’s office

We continue the analysis of the episode "Chichikov at Manilov." After a long dinner with many compliments to the visitor and the hosts, communication proceeds to the next stage. Chichikov starts a business proposal. The description of Manilov’s office shows how much he is not really disposed to any kind of labor activity. Armchair, four chairs, walls painted with gray or blue paint. But all the more tobacco. It is located in different corners of the office in various forms. Desolation and disorder reign everywhere.

Dreams of Manilov

It turns out during the conversation that this landowner does not even have an idea about the number of peasants who died from him. For him there are more important matters than housekeeping. He dreams of building a large bridge across the river, on which merchants will sell every trifle for peasants. Manilov has a desire to alleviate the fate of the serf, but care for him is not realized in practice. Chichikov therefore failed to find out the number of dead souls from this person. But that does not stop him.

How Manilov reacted to Chichikov’s proposal

Manilov’s reaction to Chichikov’s proposal is interesting. This hero immediately dropped his pipe to the floor and opened his mouth, and remained in this position for several minutes. The landowner was completely at a loss. Only assurances of the legality of such an operation brought him a little to his senses. Manilov is too stupid to convict Chichikov of fraud, but agrees, nevertheless, "uninteresting" to convey dead souls. Of course, this statement very pleased the guest. Chichikov expressed many thanks to the landowner, "prompted by gratitude." Immediately Manilov forgets about confusion.

He is by and large not interested in why a guest needs dead souls. He is glad that he has done a favor to a pleasant person. Such is the landowner Manilov. Concluding the scene of the visit, Gogol writes that both friends shook hands with each other for a long time and looked into each other's eyes, which were full of tears. An interesting detail that clearly characterizes both of them. Chichikov’s attitude towards Manilov in this final scene is fully revealed. The deal was very easy for him.