What human vices are embodied in the image of Chichikov. The image of Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls”: description of appearance and character in quotes

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We often say that happiness cannot be found in money, but at the same time we always note that a person with money is in a more advantageous position and can afford more than a poor person. Many works of art on the theme of a wedding with an unloved, but rich, or the resulting injustice associated with bribery, lead to another well-known phrase: money rules the world. This is probably why a person with small capital often strives to improve his financial situation at any cost. These methods and methods are not always legal; they often contradict the principles of morality. N. Gogol talks about one of these actions in the poem “Dead Souls”.

Who is Chichikov and why does he come to town N

The main character of the story is a retired official Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov. He “is not handsome, but not bad-looking, neither too fat nor too thin; I can’t say that I’m old, but I can’t say that I’m too young.” He considers himself a person of pleasant appearance, he especially liked his face “which he loved sincerely and in which, it seems, he found the chin most attractive, for he very often boasted of it to one of his friends.”

This man travels through the villages of Russia, but his goal is by no means as noble as one might think at first glance. Pavel Ivanovich buys “dead souls”, that is, documents for the ownership of people who have died but have not yet been included in the lists of the dead. The census of peasants was carried out every few years, so these same “dead souls” hovered and were considered alive in documents. They represented a lot of trouble and waste, since it was necessary to make payments for them before the next census (revision tales).

Chichikov's proposal to sell these people to the landowners sounds more than tempting. Many find the item to be purchased very strange, it sounds suspicious, but the desire to quickly get rid of the “dead souls” takes its toll - one by one the landowners agree to the sale (the only exception was Nozdryov). But why does Chichikov need “dead souls”? He himself talks about it this way: “Yes, if I bought all these people who died out before they submitted new revision tales, buy them, let’s say, a thousand, yes, let’s say, the guardianship council will give two hundred rubles per head: that’s two hundred thousand for the capital " In other words, Pavel Ivanovich plans to resell his “dead souls”, passing them off as living people. Of course, it is impossible to sell serfs without land, but he finds a way out here too - buying land in a remote place, “for pennies.” Naturally, such a plan is not dictated by good living conditions and financial situation, but, whatever one may say, this is a dishonorable act.

Last name meaning

It is difficult to judge unambiguously about the etymology of Pavel Ivanovich’s surname. It is not as prosaic as the surnames of other characters in the poem, but the very fact that the surnames of other characters are their characteristics (they draw attention to moral or physical flaws) suggests that there should be a similar situation with Chichikov.

And so, it is likely that this surname came from the word “chichik”. In Western Ukrainian dialects, this is the name given to a small songbird. N. Gogol was associated with Ukraine, so we can assume that he had in mind precisely this meaning of the word - Chichikov, like a bird, sings beautiful songs to everyone. There are no other meanings recorded in dictionaries. The author himself does not explain anywhere why the choice fell on this particular word and what he wanted to say by awarding Pavel Ivanovich such a surname. Therefore, this information should be perceived at the level of a hypothesis, and it should be argued that this absolutely correct explanation is impossible due to the small amount of information on this matter.

Personality and character

Arriving in the city of N, Pavel Ivanovich meets the local landowners and the governor. He makes a good impression on them. This beginning of a trusting relationship contributed to Chichikov’s further purchases - they spoke of him as a man of high morals and excellent upbringing - such a person cannot be a swindler and a deceiver. But, as it turned out, this was just a tactical move that allowed him to cleverly deceive the landowners.

The first thing that surprises you about Chichikov is his attitude to hygiene. For many of his new acquaintances, this became a sign of a person from high society. Pavel Ivanovich “waked up very early in the morning, washed himself, wiped himself from head to toe with a wet sponge, which was done only on Sundays.” He “rubbed both cheeks with soap for an extremely long time,” when he washed himself, “plucked out two hairs that had come out of his nose.” As a result, those around him decided that “the visitor showed such attentiveness to the toilet that has not even been seen everywhere.”

Chichikov is a suck-up. “In conversations with these rulers, he very skillfully knew how to flatter everyone.” At the same time, he tried not to say anything specific about himself, using general phrases; those present thought that he was doing this out of modesty.

In addition, the phrases “he is an insignificant worm of this world and is not worthy of being cared for much, that he has experienced a lot in his life, endured in the service for the truth, had many enemies who attempted even on his life, and that now, wanting to calm down, looking to finally choose a place to live” evoked a certain feeling of pity for Chichikov among those around him.

Soon, all his new acquaintances began to speak flatteringly about him and tried to please “such a pleasant, educated guest.”

Manilov, characterizing Chichikov, asserted that “he is ready to vouch, as for himself, that he would sacrifice all his estate in order to have a hundredth share of Pavel Ivanovich’s qualities.”

“The governor explained about him that he is a well-intentioned person; the prosecutor - that he is a sensible person; the gendarme colonel said that he was a learned man; the chairman of the chamber - that he is a knowledgeable and respectable person; the police chief - that he is a respectable and kind person; the police chief’s wife - that he is the most kind and courteous person.”

As we see, Pavel Ivanovich managed to gain the trust of the landowners and the governor in the best possible way.

He managed to keep a fine line and not go too far with flattery and praise towards the landowners - his lies and sycophancy were sweet, but not so much that the lies were noticeable. Pavel Ivanovich not only knows how to present himself in society, but also has the talent to convince people. Not all landowners agreed to say goodbye to their “dead souls” without question. Many, like Korobochka, had great doubts about the legality of such a sale. Pavel Ivanovich manages to achieve his goal and convince him that such a sale is nothing unusual.

It should be noted that Chichikov has developed intellectual abilities. This is manifested not only when thinking about a plan to get rich from “dead souls”, but also in the manner of conducting a conversation - he knows how to maintain a conversation at the proper level, without having sufficient knowledge in a particular issue, it is unrealistic to look smart in the eyes of others and no flattery or sycophancy unable to save the situation.

In addition, he is very friendly with arithmetic and knows how to quickly carry out mathematical operations in his mind: “Seventy-eight, seventy-eight, thirty kopecks per head, that will be...” here our hero thought for one second, no more, and suddenly said: it will be twenty-four rubles ninety-six kopecks.”

Pavel Ivanovich knows how to adapt to new conditions: “he felt that the words “virtue” and “rare properties of the soul” could be successfully replaced with the words “economy” and “order”,” although he cannot always quickly figure out what to say: “Already Plyushkin stood for several minutes without saying a word, and Chichikov still could not start a conversation, entertained both by the appearance of the owner himself and by everything that was in his room.”

Having acquired serfs, Pavel Ivanovich feels awkward and anxious, but these are not pangs of conscience - he wants to get the matter over with as quickly as possible and is afraid that something might go wrong “still the thought came to me: that souls are not entirely real and that in such cases Such a burden always needs to be lifted off one’s shoulders as quickly as possible.”

However, his deception was revealed - Chichikov in an instant turns from an object of worship and a desired guest into an object of ridicule and rumors; he is not allowed into the governor’s house. “It’s just that you alone are not ordered to be allowed in, but all others are allowed,” the doorman tells him.

The others are also not happy to see him - they mumble something incomprehensible. This confuses Chichikov - he cannot understand what happened. Rumors about his scam reach Chichikov himself. As a result, he leaves home. In the last chapter, we learn that Pavel Ivanovich is of humble origin, his parents tried to provide him with a better life, therefore, sending him into an independent life, they gave him such advice that, as his parents thought, would allow him to take a good place in life: “ Pavlusha, study... please your teachers and bosses most of all. Don’t hang out with your comrades, they won’t teach you any good; and if it comes to that, then hang out with those who are richer, so that on occasion they can be useful to you. Don’t treat or treat anyone, but behave better so that you will be treated, and most of all, take care and save a penny... You will do everything and lose everything in the world with a penny.”

Thus, Pavel Ivanovich, guided by the advice of his parents, lived in such a way as not to spend money anywhere and save money, but to earn significant capital in an honest way turned out to be unrealistic, even with strict savings and acquaintance with the rich. The plan to buy “dead souls” was supposed to provide Chichikov with fortune and money, but in practice this turned out not to be the case. The stigma of a swindler and a dishonest person firmly stuck to him. Whether the hero himself learned a lesson from their current situation is a rhetorical question; it is likely that the second volume should have revealed the secret, but, unfortunately, Nikolai Vasilyevich destroyed him, so the reader can only guess what happened next and whether Chichikov should be blamed for such an act or it is necessary to mitigate his guilt by referring to the principles to which society is subject.

Chichikov in the story by N.V. Gogol’s “Dead Souls”: analysis of the hero, image and characteristics

The image of Chichikov in Gogol's poem "Dead Souls" 3.00 /5 (60.00%) 2 votes

Gogol's poem "Dead Souls" was created by the writer during a very difficult period for Russia. The oppression of autocracy intensified due to the free views that filled society. Nevertheless, he showed Russia, satirically depicting the nobility and merchants. But there is another hero in the work, unlike anyone else. So to speak, he belongs to the new Russia. This is the class of entrepreneurs - acquirers. In the image of Chichikov, the author brought to the reader’s attention and judgment the features of the “knight of a penny.”

From his first appearance, Chichikov makes a negative impression of a slippery and cunning type. This is emphasized by his external qualities. The author describes Chichikov as a man of unremarkable appearance and incomprehensible age. Such people are a little repulsive, because they cannot stand out in any way. No zest in appearance, nothing interesting was found in Chichikov.

Chichikov's character is elusive, because he, like a chameleon, is constantly changing. He is able to give his face the right expression to seem like a pleasant conversationalist. He is able to get into the soul of a person who simply talks to him. Knowing how to skillfully tell lies, Chichikov is meek and calm with officials. His actions are aimed at gaining an appropriate reputation. Gradually, everyone recognizes this man who finds a common language with the landowners of the deceased peasants.

When buying dead souls, Chichikov is kind to each of the buyers. He is sincere with Manilov, which charms the latter. In Plyushkin and Nozdryov, Sobakevich, he is charming, but with everyone he behaves as the situation requires it. The box was no exception. As long as he didn’t catch Nozdryov in his trap. But this was the swindler’s only failure. This is probably how the author characterizes Chichikov.

The main goal in Chichikov’s life is money. For their sake, he spends hours practicing in front of the mirror, charming potential buyers later in conversation. This is who you should learn marketing skills from! After all, Chichikov’s interlocutors, although stupid, are also “not cut out for it.” They also love money, but do not fully understand what this gentleman, who constantly eludes, wants from them. It is as if he is not in the room, and at the same time, his wishes are fulfilled. He's a wizard, and that's all!

Chichikov's childhood was spent under the strict orders of his parent to please all those who he needed to accumulate money. And this became the main task, a dream or reality, a fantasy that turns into reality. From a practical point of view, Chichikov had business savvy and the talent of an entrepreneur. He began saving money while still in school, profiting from his friends and being stingy. Already in those years, the character of the acquirer was formed, whose goal justifies deception and lies, falsehood and lack of friends.

Over time, Chichikov's scams acquire enormous proportions. School troubles and scams are a thing of the past. Chichikov grew up to become a customs official and by any means he begins to increase and multiply his fortune. The idea of ​​buying dead souls seems very promising to the hero from a business point of view. Chichikov is happy, the peasants are dying, and his income is replenished. The moral decline of the hero is obvious.

The main character of the poem “Dead Souls” is Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov. The complex character of literature opened his eyes to the events of the past and showed many hidden problems.

The image and characterization of Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls” will allow you to understand yourself and find the traits that you need to get rid of so as not to become his likeness.

Hero's appearance

The main character, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, does not have an exact indication of his age. You can do mathematical calculations, distributing the periods of his life marked by ups and downs. The author says that this is a middle-aged man, there is an even more precise indication:

“...decent middle years...”

Other appearance features:

• full figure;
• roundness of shapes;
• pleasant appearance.

Chichikov is pleasant in appearance, but no one calls him handsome. Fullness is in those sizes that it can no longer be thicker. In addition to his appearance, the hero has a pleasant voice. That is why all his meetings are based on negotiations. He easily talks to any character. The landowner is attentive to himself, he carefully chooses clothes, uses cologne. Chichikov admires himself, he likes his appearance. The most attractive thing for him is the chin. Chichikov is sure that this part of the face is expressive and beautiful. The man, having studied himself, found a way to charm. He knows how to evoke sympathy, his techniques bring a charming smile. The interlocutors do not understand what secret is hidden inside an ordinary person. The secret is the ability to please. Ladies call him a charming creature, they even look for things in him that are hidden from view.

Hero's personality

Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov has a fairly high rank. He is a collegiate advisor. For man

“...without tribe and clan...”

Such an achievement proves that the hero is very persistent and purposeful. From childhood, a boy cultivates the ability to deny himself pleasure if it interferes with big things. To obtain a high rank, Pavel received an education, and he studied diligently and taught himself to get what he wanted by all means: by cunning, sycophancy, and patience. Pavel is strong in mathematical sciences, which means he has logical thinking and practicality. Chichikov is a cautious person. He can talk about various phenomena in life, noticing what will help achieve the desired result. The hero travels a lot and is not afraid of meeting new people. But the restraint of his personality does not allow him to conduct long stories about the past. The hero is an excellent expert in psychology. He easily finds an approach and common topics of conversation with different people. Moreover, Chichikov’s behavior changes. He, like a chameleon, easily changes his appearance, demeanor, and style of speech. The author emphasizes how unusual the twists of his mind are. He knows his own worth and penetrates into the depths of the subconscious of his interlocutors.

Positive character traits of Pavel Ivanovich

The character has a lot of traits that do not allow him to be considered only a negative character. His desire to buy up dead souls is frightening, but until the last pages the reader is at a loss as to why the landowner needs dead peasants, what Chichikov has in mind. One more question: how did you come up with this method of enriching yourself and increasing your status in society?

• protects his health, he does not smoke and monitors the amount of wine he drinks.
• does not play gambling: cards.
• a believer, before starting an important conversation, a man crosses himself in Russian.
• takes pity on the poor and gives alms (but this quality cannot be called compassion; it does not manifest itself to everyone and not always).
• slyness allows the hero to hide his true face.
• neat and thrifty: things and objects that help preserve important events in memory are stored in a box.

Chichikov developed a strong character. The firmness and conviction that one is right is somewhat surprising, but also captivating. The landowner is not afraid to do what should make him richer. He is firm in his convictions. Many people need such strength, but most get lost, doubt and go astray from a difficult path.

Negative traits of a hero

The character also has negative qualities. They explain why the image was perceived by society as a real person; similarities with him were found in any environment.

• never dances, although he attends balls with zeal.
• loves to eat, especially at someone else's expense.
• hypocritical: he can cry, lie, pretend to be upset.
• deceiver and bribe-taker: in speech there are statements of honesty, but in reality everything says the opposite.
• composure: politely, but without feelings, Pavel Ivanovich conducts business that makes his interlocutors shrink inside with fear.

Chichikov does not feel the right feeling for women - love. He considers them as an object capable of giving him offspring. He even evaluates the lady he likes without tenderness: “nice grandma.” The “acquirer” seeks to create wealth that will go to his children. On the one hand, this is a positive trait; the meanness with which he approaches this is negative and dangerous.

It is impossible to accurately describe the character of Pavel Ivanovich, to say that he is a positive character or a negative hero. A real person taken from life is both good and bad at the same time. One character combines different personalities, but one can only envy his desire to achieve his goal. The classic helps young people to stop the traits of Chichikov in themselves, a man for whom life becomes a matter of profit, the value of existence, the mystery of the afterlife are lost.

The image of Chichikov in N. Gogol’s poem “Dead Souls”

N. V. Gogol’s poem “Dead Souls” was the most important stage in the development of Russian critical realism and was the pinnacle of the writer’s artistic creativity. In his work, Gogol ridiculed the vices of feudal Russia from bottom to top: from the provincial wilderness to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Gogol, according to Herzen, “flaunted Russia’s nobles, serf-owners, whom we saw coming out of palaces and houses without masks...”

The central character of Gogol's poem “Dead Souls” is Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov. The story about him runs through the entire poem, and all the other characters are characterized through his attitude towards them. It is about him that the author writes in Chapter XI: “Here he is the complete master, and wherever he pleases, we must drag ourselves there too.” Of course, the writer did not reduce his work to the story of one person; He saw his task as analyzing the various phenomena of life. However, Chichikov is the main character of the poem, holding the entire narrative together.

Chichikov, who moves in the circle of landowners, is a person with different life principles. Before us Gogol creates a typical image of a representative of the emerging bourgeoisie. By origin, he also belongs to the noble class, but the estate, where he could start farming, does not bring him income. Chichikov's father was not rich, but he left his son four worn-out sweatshirts, two old frock coats and an insignificant amount of money. Chichikov, unlike other landowners, made his own way in life. While still at school, he showed amazing resourcefulness in terms of making money. Practicality, prudence, and trickery were already inherent in Chichikov’s character. His imagination quickly worked on the invention of various types of commercial operations. In addition, he deftly knew how to gain the trust of school mentors, and therefore was “in excellent standing” at school and upon graduation received a book “with letters of gold for exemplary diligence and trustworthy behavior.” However, Chichikov from an early age learned to evaluate his relationships with people from the point of view of real benefits. So, for example, he refuses to help the school mentor, although earlier (as a student) he curried favor with him. Indifference to other people's beans is another trait in the character of this character.

All of Chichikov’s low spiritual qualities manifest themselves with particular force when he embarks on the path of independent life activity. The desire to make an “increment by fifty dollars,” which had guided him since early childhood, now turned into a passionate thirst for hoarding. Chichikov is greatly impressed by pictures of a rich, luxurious life. “When a rich man rushed past him on a beautiful flying droshky, on trotters in a rich harness, he stopped rooted to the spot and then, waking up, as if after a long sleep, said: “But there was a clerk, he wore his hair in a circle!”

Having set his goal to become a rich man, he shows exceptional perseverance, enormous energy and ingenuity. Chichikov indulges in any scams and speculations if they promise profits.

Having appeared in the provincial town under the guise of a landowner for his own needs, Chichikov extremely quickly not only enters the “selected society”, but also wins everyone’s sympathy, since as a result of long life practice he brilliantly developed the ability to adapt. He knows how to show himself as a man of good secular upbringing, possessing a large and diverse cult. But the main force of his influence was that he knew how to find his own approach to everyone. With the dexterity of a virtuoso, Chichikov could play on the weak strings of the human soul. All the officials, and even the governor himself, were pleased with the arrival of a new interesting person.

Gogol shows that Chichikov “reincarnates” very easily, quickly moves from one manner of behavior to another, without, however, betraying himself or his goals in any way. So, for example, in a conversation with Manilov, he easily grasps his manner of behavior. Pael Ivanovich is also gallant and courteous, has a penchant for “high” matters, and is filled with sentimental sensitivity. But Chichikov does not show gallantry with Korobochka. The conversation with her is of a completely different nature. The experienced hero quickly unravels the essence of the landowner’s character and therefore acts very unceremoniously. He does not consider it necessary to be particularly shy - after all, delicacy here will not achieve a concession in the acquisition of dead souls.

When meeting Nozdryov, Chichikov diligently adapts to the free and unceremonious style of behavior of his new acquaintance. Nozdryov does not recognize any relationship other than “friendly” (as he considers it to be), so Chichikov behaves as if he were friends with this landowner. When Nozdryov begins to brag, Chichikov prefers to remain silent, but is vigilantly careful not to fall into the net set by his newfound “friend.”

Chichikov's directness and spontaneity completely disappear when meeting Sobakevich and are replaced by a search for the correct forms of behavior with this “clumsy bear.” Sobakevich is a businessman who knows how to respect his own benefit in everything. In a conversation with him, the main character shows himself to be a sophisticated businessman who knows all sorts of ways to influence his partner. “You can’t knock him down, he’s stubborn!” - Sobakevich thinks to himself.

Chichikov finds an approach to Plyushkin, taking on the appearance of a generous well-wisher who wants to help a lonely and defenseless old man. This was the only way to avoid arousing suspicion among the hoarder, who is most afraid of being robbed. Having completed all these metamorphoses, the hero again takes on the appearance of a pleasant person in the circle of provincial society, causing noisy delight. The ease of transformation reveals Chichikov's extraordinary energy and resourcefulness. We understand that behind Chichikov’s imaginary courtesy and gentleness hides a calculating and predatory nature. On his face is the mask of a pious and well-behaved person.

Chichikov does not admit anything and does not believe in anything except money. Appearing in society in the image of a decent person, he is not in the least inclined towards virtue. His mask of good nature and benevolence serves only as a means that helps him get things done.

Obsessed with a passion for wealth, Chichikov does not look like a selfless gambler losing his sense of proportion. He is prudent and careful. He is able to wait, long and patiently prepare what promises him profits. He does not think about the immorality of his actions, he is only interested in profit. Gogol sharply emphasizes the absence of any moral principles in his hero. Turning to Chichikov’s biography, the writer declares: “No, it’s time to hide the scoundrel.” So, acquisition, predation and immorality in the image of Chichikov are fused together.

By comparing Chichikov with the landowners, Gogol showed those new features that are characteristic of heroes who were formed outside the atmosphere of the lordly estate. Tenacity for life, extraordinary resourcefulness, and adventurism come to the fore here. Striving to achieve his goals, Chichikov knows no peace. He is in constant motion. Manilov’s contemplation is alien to him, but at the same time he is far from Korobochka’s innocence. Cunning and enterprising, he sees right through people and knows how to get their hands on them. But at the same time, he is not characterized by revelry and the desire to waste his life, which are an integral feature of Nozdryov’s appearance. If all of Nozdryov’s numerous undertakings lead to nothing, then everything that Chichikov undertakes bears the stamp of practical acumen and efficiency. In turn, this efficiency is not similar to the rude and straightforward prudence of Sobakevich. Courtesy and the ability to win over people give Chichikov great advantages over Sobakevich.

Thus, Chichikov is both better and worse than all the landowners depicted by Gogol in the poem. He, a representative of the new predatory entrepreneurship, does not oppose Manilov or Sobakevich. He merges with them, finds unity with the noble environment, but at the same time pursues his own interests. Chichikov absorbs all the most viable features of the outgoing relationship, discarding those that cannot serve the purpose of enrichment. As for morality and ethics, Chichikov does not burden himself with these concepts, just like those landowners with whom he meets.

Gogol shows the reasons for the death of the human soul in the image of Chichikov. A joyless childhood, a service in which bribery flourishes, a society of immoral people - all this molded him into a calculating scoundrel. If you look closely, Chichikov is bolder than Nozdryov and callouser than Sobakevich. Yes, he differs from the landowners in his enterprise, energy and intelligence. He gives people very accurate characteristics. However, Chichikov is a “dead soul” because he values ​​nothing in life except money. In the image of Chichikov, Gogol shows the emergence of a new man in Russian society, a representative of the emerging bourgeoisie. All high feelings, including love, are assessed by him only from the point of view of material gain.

Poem by N.V. Gogol's "Dead Souls" represents the philosophical quest of the author in the 30s. 19th century. The plot of the poem was predicted to him by A.S. Pushkin, promising the work certain success.

Indeed, the main character of Dead Souls, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, became the embodiment of the hero of his time, the first image of an entrepreneur in Russian literature, a man who got out of poverty through sometimes dishonest actions.

Chichikov's childhood

To better understand the image of the hero, you should turn to his childhood. His family was poor, his father, taking out his dissatisfaction with life on his son, showered him with endless reproaches. All the old man had any interest in was collecting and storing “penny money.” Before his death, he bequeathed to his son to flatter and obey more significant people, study hard and save “a pretty penny.”

Pavel Ivanovich carried out his father's will with precision. Already at school, currying favor with the teacher, he became his favorite. Gradually he realized that he could find an approach to any person. Promising to marry the boss's daughter, he took an honorable position. Having convinced the customs officials of his incorruptibility, he contacted smugglers and made a decent fortune.

Earning money any way

The hero never loses heart, nothing can stop him on the path to earning money - not even morality. Therefore, a plan matures in his head to buy up dead souls from landowners and then sell them as living ones.

On the way to his goal, he encounters a number of landowners, each of whom is the embodiment of one particular trait of his character. Manilov, completely unadapted to life, only does what he dreams. With him Chichikov is flattering and helpful. The box is rude and boorish. The hero talks to her in the same way. Difficulties arise in his communication with Nozdryov - Pavel Ivanovich does not accept familiarity. However, to achieve the goal, he continues to be in the landowner’s house and even switches to “you” in conversation with him. Sobakevich is dull, but he is economical. Chichikov behaves straightforwardly with him. And Plyushkin is “a hole in the body of humanity,” an extreme miser. But even here Chichikov finds the necessary argument for buying up souls - he convinces Plyushkin of saving on taxes on dead peasants.

When Pavel Ivanovich is left alone with himself, you can notice how all these traits manifest themselves in his character: he carefully tears off the poster in order to calmly read it at home, collects all sorts of little things and stores them in a small chest.

Dead soul

Sincere feelings characteristic of an ordinary person are alien to Chichikov. In fact, he himself, like other landowners, is a dead soul. For the sake of profit, he killed the joy of simple life.

Renaissance

However, the author believes in its revival. He endows Chichikov with spiritual impulses that can push him to move forward in the future. For example, the way Chichikov was speechless and numb before the beauty of the general’s young daughter speaks of human feelings hidden somewhere deep in the soul.

As far as I know, in the second volume Gogol intended to show the path of the hero’s rebirth, the cleansing of his soul from sins and stinginess of feelings. However, the second volume was burned, and we do not know how the revival of Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov took place.