❝However stupid a fool's words may be, they are sometimes enough to confound an intelligent man.❞
― Nikolai Gogol, Dead Souls
Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol (Никола́й Васи́льевич Го́голь) was a Ukrainian novelist, short story writer, and playwright born in 1809. Gogol was one of the first to use surrealism and the grotesque in his works. His writing was both comedic and satirical and is considered to have had a huge influence on the Russian world of literature. Taras Bulba, The Carriage, and The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich, are just a few of his best-known works.
After self-publishing some poetry, which was ill-received, and failing to become an actor, Gogel spent some time traveling Germany. When he once again returned to storytelling, however, he began to write about what he remembered of the sunny landscapes and boisterous village lads from his childhood in Ukraine, while also relaying tales about the devils, witches, and other demonic or fantastic beings that colored Ukrainian folklore. Gogol's beautiful prose and whimsical inflection captivated the Russian literary world, and the young author became famous overnight.
Later in his life, following the triumph of his piece, Dead Souls, his health began to deteriorate, and he fell into a state of deep depression. In 1852 he burned some of his manuscripts, which contained most of the second, unpublished, part of Dead Souls. Soon thereafter, he took to bed, refused all food, passing away shortly after.
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever read any of Gogol's work, and if so, which stories have you read?
What are some of your favorite works that include dark or macabre folklore?
Have you ever read a story or series that you felt was fantastically written but was left incomplete or unfinished?
We're always open to additional conversation and thoughts about Nikolai Gogol and his work!
If there's another author you would like to see a discussion on, please post your suggestion in the comments below for a chance to be featured in a future chapter!
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