Development of the Little Man Theme in Nikolai Gogol’s The Overcoat PDF

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this was the first essay in the course. we had a few short stories to choose from and i chose nikolai gogols the overcoat....

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Development of the Little Man Theme in Nikolai Gogol’s The Overcoat

The topic of this essay will focus on how Akaky Akakievich’s life is portrayed in The Overcoat. Specifically, the little man theme will be explored using quotes from the text; to show how imagery and story telling are combined to enhance this effect. A Little man is an unusual protagonist to have in a story in accordance with modern heroes. However, this motif is consistent with many of the 18th and 19th century writers of Russia. This theme doesn’t just refer to any physical barriers such as weight or height but emphasizes more on the socioeconomical issues within. The little man is one who is unwanted, has no purpose in society, disregarded and often ridiculed. This theme originates from external factors that were in place in Russia at the time. Poverty was rampant, government control was over-reaching and human life was worthless. People at bottom of the social ladder were left to fend for themselves leading to mass depression and disparity. The story of the little man depicts the lives of average citizens trying to

survive.

Akaky Akakievich

Bashmachkin is the main protagonist in the story The Overcoat written by Nikolai Gogol in the mid 1800’s. Gogol’s depictions of Bashmachkin make he seem to be even less than that of the average citizen. Bashmachkin was so unwanted and so unlucky that even before his birth his misfortune was noticed. “The Surname of this official was Bashmachkin. Just from the name itself, it is so obvious that at one time it derived from bashmak” (Proffer, 105). Here Gogol hints at the unimportance of not only the protagonist, but the protagonist’s family line as it appears to have been named after a shoe. Moreover, Akaky Akakievich may sound like a typical Russian name to the nativetongued English speaker, but it has a more dubious meaning. Incorporating fecal mater into the protagonist’s name is really quite unfortunate, but adds a deeper layer of irony as well as a comedic affect. Gogol continues: “The new mother was presented a choice of any of three names she wanted to choose” […] “what a punishment” […] “such names they all are; I’ve never heard such things” […] “that obviously such is his fate” (Proffer, 105). Once again, we can see how Gogol’s set up the story to be directly against our protagonist. Bashmachkin was born to be the little man as he was already unwanted and insignificant, a foreshadowing for the rest of the story. “… at which he began to cry and made a face- as if he had a premonition that he would be a titular councillor” (Proffer, 106). Again, here Gogol paints a picture he wants the reader to see that Bashmachkin was meant to be the little man of the story as well as hinting at Bashmachkin’s future role in society.

Bashmachkin then continues to fill his role as the promised titular

councillor. Upon his introduction to his department, it was instantly obvious that he did not belong. “When and at what time he entered the department, and’ who appointed him no one could recall” … “In the department no respect was shown to him. Not only did the doormen not get up from their seats when he walked by, they did not even glance at him – as if a simple fly had flown through the waiting-room” (Proffer, 106). We can tell from the depictions how unimportant Bashmachkin really was; no one knew when he

appeared, what he did or who he was. What’s more ironic is that even the doorman which is likely a lower position in society than a titular councillor, did not pay attention to Bashmachkin. Moreover, Gogol makes it sound that even the fly on the wall would have probably gained more attention than our protagonist. Life in the office for Bashmachkin was very similar to his birth. His colleagues were constantly unpleasant towards him and would make remarks such as: “he earned only a badge for his buttonhole and a hemorrhoid for his butt” (Proffer, 107). Interestingly, even with all the abuse Bashmachkin received he managed to show satisfaction within his life, which may seem impossible when one finds themselves in the bottom of the societal ladder. Bashmachkin gets offered a chance of escaping his endless cycle by getting a promotion but instead he replies with: “No, better let me copy something” (Proffer, 107). At first glance this could be viewed as simple case of anxiety or a fear of moving on however, one could argue that this was more related to a state of serenity. Bashmachkin’s ability to achieve self-peace is truly admirable but serves as a fundamental error for his demise. Bashmachkin’s social life can further provide evidence of the little man theme. His nights mainly consisted of “immediately sitting down at the same table and hastily gulping his cabbage soup” (Proffer, 108). Ironically, Bashmachkin used his spare time outside of work to copying additional papers that he brought from work. This indicates he really had no aspirations for his life outside of work either. He rarely ever got invited to any parties and if he did “No one could say that he had ever seen him at any evening party” (Proffer, 109). The same could be said about the new and improved Bashmachkin after receiving his new overcoat. When he finally managed to replace his old coat, he was met with overwhelming praise which put him in a very uncomfortable position. Here, Bashmachkin again had a chance to escape his endless cycle by inviting his colleagues over to celebrate his new coat however, “Akaky Akakievich was completely lost; he didn’t know how to act, what to answer, or how to beg off” (Proffer, 119). So instead, he

maintained his stance rejecting any idea of having a party at his house keeping true to his fundamental error. Bashmachkin did however, accept an invitation from one of his colleagues to go to a birthday party and saw it as a chance to show off his new overcoat. Unfortunately, the excitement for Bashmachkin and his overcoat was short-lived. When he arrived at the party, he greeted but then forgotten instantly. “Everyone immediately went into the anteroom and examined his overcoat anew” […] “Then, of course, they all abandoned both him and the overcoat” (Proffer, 121). Even his fancy new overcoat was not enough for Bashmachkin to become relevant and escape his predetermined destiny. Lastly, Bashmachkin’s death must be discussed as it serves as a major part of the little man theme. During His search for his lost coat, He somehow managed to reach the significant personage in order to make a complaint about his stolen coat. This man was so cruel to Bashmachkin that one could say he indirectly caused his death. The significant personage helped portray Bashmachkin as the little man he truly was. “Do you know to whom you are speaking? Do you understand this?” (Proffer, 127). Bashmachkin did not know how to respond to this abuse and simply shutdown showing his true character. Shortly after this encounter Bashmachkin developed a fatal fever, but even on his death bed he was still insignificant: “And you dear woman, don’t waste time, order him a pine coffin right away, because oak will be too expensive for him” (Proffer, 128). He was almost immediately replaced, and life went on without him like nothing happened. Gogol had an interesting ending to this story but not one that would make the reader think that Bashmachkin’s death specifically, had any meaning other than the sudden change of behaviour of the significant personage. However, upon deeper analysis, one could arrive at the conclusion that a single little man may have no purpose but when a significant part of society lives in similar conditions, disparity and depression will prevail. Moreover, the death of the little man may be required in order to open the eyes of the significant personages in our society today.

Work Cited Proffer, Carl R. From Karamzin To Bunin. Indiana University Press, 1974....