Dead Souls

What is funny about Chichikov? Is he a ridiculous figure like the landlords he meets? Why or why not?

Are any of Chichikov’s victims sympathetic? Consider how their flaws reveal Gogol’s themes about Russian society.

What is the role of rumor and panic at the end of Part 1? How do these forces drive the plot?

What is the role of women in Chichikov’s unmasking? Are women more sympathetic than men? Why or why not?

Compare two or three of the buffoonish landowners Chichikov scams. How are they similar? How are they different?

Does meeting Kostanzhoglo change Chichikov? Why or why not?

How does Gogol use exaggeration and absurd imagery to make his arguments? Select several passages and perform close readings to support your answer.

How is Part 2 of the text different from Part 1? Do we have enough of the second part to draw conclusions about what it would have been like complete?