Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov - the main character of the famous poem by N.V. Gogol's "Dead Souls", in the past he was an official and an avid careerist, then he became a clever swindler and manipulator. He travels through the villages of the Russian hinterland, meets with various landowners and nobles, tries to earn their trust and thus turn out profitable business for himself.
Chichikov is interested in buying the so-called "dead souls", documents for serfs who have already died, but due to the fact that the population census was carried out once every few years, they are documented as living. An enterprising businessman plans to resell these souls, along with the land he plans to buy for a penny, and earn good capital from this. The image of Chichikov is a fresh and new look at the adventurous image of an entrepreneur in Russian literature.
Characteristics of the main character
("Chichikov Pavel Ivanovich. In front of the box" Artist P. Sokolov, 1890)
The inner world of Chichikov until the last chapter in the book remains mysterious and ambiguous for everyone. The description of his appearance is averaged to the maximum: not handsome, and not bad, not very fat, but not thin, not old, and not young. The main features of this hero are averageness (this is a quiet and inconspicuous gentleman, distinguished by pleasant manners, roundness and smoothness) and a high degree of enterprise. Even the manner of communication does not betray his character: he does not speak loudly, not quietly, he knows how to find an approach everywhere and is known everywhere as his person.
The features of Chichikov's inner world are revealed through the manner of his communication with the landowners, whom he attracts to his side and, skillfully manipulating, persuades them to sell "dead souls". The author notes the ability of a cunning adventurer to adapt to his interlocutor and copy his manners. Chichikov knows people very well, finds his own advantage in everything, and how a subtle psychologist tells people what they need.
(Illustration by V. Makovsky "Chichikov at Manilov")
Chichikov is an active and active person, it is very important for him not only to keep what he has earned, but also to increase it (as many times as possible). Moreover, irrepressible greed does not torment him like Plyushkin, because money for him is only a means to ensure a decent life.
Chichikov comes from a poor, respectable family, and his father advised to always please the authorities and hang out with the right people, and taught him that "a penny opens any door." Having no initial concepts of duty and conscience, Chichikov, having matured, understands that moral values only prevent him from achieving his goals and therefore often neglects the voice of conscience, paving the way in life with his own forehead.
(Illustration "Little Chichikov")
And although Chichikov is a swindler and a rogue, he cannot be denied perseverance, talent and ingenuity. At school, he sold buns to his classmates (whom they treated him to), at every job he tried to find his own profit and tried to get rich, as a result, he came up with an idea with “dead souls” and tried to turn it around, playing on the feelings and base instincts of those around him of people. At the end of the work, Chichikov's scam opens and becomes public, he is forced to leave.
The image of the main character in the work
("Chichikov's toilet" Artist P.P. Sokolov 1966)
In his famous work, which took him 17 years of painstaking work, Gogol created a comprehensive picture of modern Russian realities and revealed a diverse gallery of characters and types of people of that time. The image of Chichikov, a talented entrepreneur and unprincipled swindler, is, according to the author, "a terrible and vile force that is not capable of reviving the Fatherland."
Trying to live according to the precepts of his father, Chichikov tried to live economically and save every penny, but realizing that you can’t make a lot of wealth in an honest way, he finds a loophole in the Russian legislation of those years and proceeds to fulfill his plan. Not having achieved the desired, he stigmatizes himself as a swindler and a rogue, and is forced to abandon his ideas.
What lesson this character learned from this situation remains unclear to us, because the second volume of this work was destroyed by the author, we can only assume what happened next and whether Chichikov is to blame for what he tried to do or society and the principles to which it is subject are guilty.
The image of Chichikov in the poem "Dead Souls": a description of appearance and character in quotesThe image of Chichikov in the poem
"Dead Souls": description
appearance and character
quotes
Presentation done
Pupils 9a
Kharitonenkov, Senichkina, Kuznetsova.
Chichikov's appearance
Chichikov is a complete person:"... the fullness and middle years of Chichikov ..."
"...round and decent shapes..."
Chichikov uses cologne:
"... sprayed himself with cologne..."
"... Finally he was dressed, sprayed with cologne..."
Chichikov is not handsome, but with a pleasant appearance:
"... of course, Chichikov is not the first handsome man, but such is how a man should be, that if he
a little thicker or fuller, that would not be good..."
"... his pleasant appearance..."
Chichikov likes his face:
"... his face, which he sincerely loved and in which, as it seems, is most attractive
found a chin..."
The personality and character of Chichikov in quotes
Chichikov's age is average:"...But our hero was already middle-aged..."
"...decent middle summers..."
Chichikov comes from a simple and poor family:
"... a man without a tribe and family! .." (about himself Chichikov)
Chichikov is an educated person:
"... such a brilliant education, which, so to speak, is visible in your every movement ..."
(Manilov about Chichikov)
Chichikov is a reasonable and sedate person:
"... No matter how sedate and reasonable he was ..."
"...forgetting his sedateness..."
Chichikov is a reserved and well-mannered person:
"... He did not even like to allow familiar treatment with him in any case, except
if the person was too high in rank..." Chichikov is a prudent person:
"... prudently-chilled character..."
It is difficult to surprise Chichikov, because he has seen a lot in his life:
"... He happened to see a lot of all kinds of people [...] but he had never seen such a thing..." (Chichikov sees Plyushkin)
Chichikov is a crafty person:
"... No," Chichikov replied rather slyly, "he served as a civilian."
Chichikov is an economical person:
"... He himself decided to compose fortresses, write and rewrite, so as not to pay anything to clerks ..." (he draws up
papers for peasants)
Chichikov is a neat and thrifty person:
"... the letter was folded and placed in a box, next to some kind of poster and a wedding invitation
a ticket that has been preserved for seven years in the same position and in the same place ... "
Chichikov has a strong and firm character:
"... One must do justice to the irresistible strength of his character..."
"...the visitor was of a solid character..."
Chichikov is a charming, charming man:
"... Chichikov with his charming qualities and techniques ..."
"... Our hero [...] charmed everyone..." Chichikov knows how to please others:
"... who really knew the great secret of liking..."
Chichikov deftly behaves in secular society:
"...He casually and deftly exchanged pleasant words with some of the ladies..."
"... with rather dexterous turns to the right and left, he shuffled right there with his foot ..."
Chichikov is a pleasant and amiable person:
"... The ladies [...] found in him a bunch of amenities and courtesies..."
"...our charmer..."
Chichikov has a friendly voice:
"... friendliness of voice..."
Chichikov is a polite person:
"...in polite deeds..."
Chichikov is a cold-blooded person:
"... to feel every button, and all this was done with deadly composure, polite to the point of impossibility ..."
Chichikov is a prudent person:
"... he, like a thin person and acting for sure ..."
Chichikov is a very patient person:
"... he showed patience, before which the wooden patience of a German is nothing..."
Chichikov is not able to love:
"... it is even doubtful that gentlemen of this kind [...] are capable of love..." Chichikov is not a romantic. He treats women without tenderness:
"... "Glorious grandmother! - he said, opening the snuffbox and sniffing tobacco ..."
Chichikov is a purposeful person. He knows how to deny himself for the sake of the goal:
"... Even as a child, he already knew how to deny himself everything ..."
Chichikov is an efficient and insightful person:
"... Such promptness, insight and clairvoyance was not only not seen, but not even
heard..." (customs service)
Chichikov is a touchy person:
"... He is a touchy person and is dissatisfied if they speak disrespectfully about him ..."
Chichikov knows the psychology of people well:
"... subtle twists of the mind, already too experienced, knowing people too well..." (about Chichikov's mind)
Chichikov knows how to find an approach to each person:
"... where he acted with the pleasantness of turns, where with a touching speech, where he smoked with flattery, in no case
not spoiling the case, where he stuck the money ... "
Chichikov is not a virtuous and not highly moral person:
"... he is not a hero, full of perfections and virtues, it can be seen ..."
"... a virtuous person is still not taken as a hero..."
Chichikov - "acquirer":
"... Who is he? therefore, a scoundrel? [...] It is most fair to call him: the owner, the acquirer.
Acquisition is the fault of everything; because of him
Composition grade 9
Plan
1. Collective image of Chichikov.
2. Cunning crow.
3. Everything is driven by money.
4. The most decent person in the world and the character of an official.
Chichikov is one of the brightest and most realistic Gogol characters. To some extent, it is he who unites the images of many of Gogol's heroes. Nevertheless, it is difficult to describe the character of Pavel Ivanovich: these were the intentions of the author, who wanted to show the collective nature of the image of his hero. Indeed, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov is a hero who unites many mean, cunning and hypocritical people. He is diverse, ready to find a common language with any interlocutor and adapt to him, and he can and is ready to behave differently.
In communicating with his interlocutors, Chichikov successfully copies the manners of their behavior. In a conversation with Korobochka, Chichikov confirms this: millions of souls have their own shades. In his person, Gogol exposes the criminal thieves and bureaucratic world of Russia. With each of his interlocutors, Chichikov behaves pragmatically. He says what his interlocutor wants to hear. In dealing with Manilov, he is arrogant and flattering. In a conversation with Korobochka, he behaves rather rudely and shamelessly, no longer paying attention to ethical standards - his manner of communication is close to the character of the hostess.
Communication with the cunning insolent Nozdryov is more difficult, because Pavel Ivanovich despises familiarity. But a good deal forces him to become like the familiar and boorish tone of the owner. The image of Sobakevich is more thorough and intelligent. On this basis, Pavel Ivanovich conducts a thorough dialogue about dead souls. Finally, he enjoys attention in Plyushkin's eyes. This man, living alone, broke away from the outside world and forgot the rules of good manners.
Based on all this, Chichikov demonstrates who he is dealing with in the mirror, from the side. shows in the poem the formation of the character of his hero. Already in childhood, Pavlusha was a cunning and enterprising guy. His goal was only profit, Chichikov sought to gain profit at any cost. The hero did not care about people, because his priority was money. But there were reasons for this. Chichikov came from a poor family, and his goal was to join high society, and this could only be done by accumulating money. Realizing where in the future you can fill your wallet, Chichikov went to the bureaucracy, which is known for its wide opportunities for fraud.
Ethical norms in the type of activity, purity of actions, never worried Pavel Ivanovich, who was always looking for benefits in order to obtain as much profit as possible. Gogol calls Chichikov the most decent person in the world. However, it should be understood that it is material gain that drives this decency.
Behind the mask of decency of the main character in "Dead Souls" lies the nature of a cunning, indifferent, intelligent, cold and prudent official who knows how to get the most benefit. The reader sees Chichikov's decorum as fake. The hero carefully hides his true character. He has mastered secular manners well, but uses them excessively. So much so that in other situations, in their absence, he cannot behave properly. Pavel Ivanovich has manners, but not enough money. And he is ready to get them at any cost, becoming a more dangerous character. In Chichikovo, Gogol revealed the image of an official, and one cannot disagree with him. Indeed, in modern Russia there are such Chichikovs.
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We often say that happiness is not in money, but at the same time we always note that a person with money is in a better position, can afford more than a poor person. A lot of works of art on the theme of a wedding with an unloved, but rich, or the resulting injustice associated with bribery leads to another well-known phrase: money rules the world. Perhaps that is why a person with little capital often seeks to improve his financial situation at any cost. Not always these methods and methods are legal, they often contradict the principles of morality. N. Gogol tells about one of these acts in the poem "Dead Souls".
Who is Chichikov and why does he come to the city of N
The protagonist of the story is a retired official Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov. He is “not handsome, but not bad-looking, neither too fat nor too thin; one cannot say that he is old, but it is not so that he is too young. He considers himself a man of pleasant appearance, he especially liked his face "which he sincerely loved and in which, as it seems, he found the chin most attractive of all, for he very often boasted of it before one of his friends."
This man travels through the villages of Russia, but his goal is by no means as noble as it seems at first glance. Pavel Ivanovich buys "dead souls", that is, documents for the right to own 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 very “dead souls” hung up and were documented as living. They represented a lot of trouble and waste, since it was necessary to make payments for them until the next census (revision tales).
Chichikov's offer to sell these people to the landowners sounds more than tempting. Many find the subject of purchase very strange, it sounds suspicious, but the desire to get rid of the "dead souls" takes its toll - one by one the landowners agree to the sale (only Nozdrev was an exception). But why does Chichikov need "dead souls"? He himself says this about it: “Yes, if I buy all these who have died out, have not yet filed new revision tales, get them, let’s say, a thousand, yes, let’s say, the board of trustees will give two hundred rubles per capita: that’s two hundred thousand 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 a penny." Naturally, such a plan is not dictated by good living conditions and financial situation, but, whatever one may say, this is a dishonorable act.
Surname Meaning
It is difficult to judge unequivocally about the etymology of the name of Pavel Ivanovich. It is not as prosaic as the names of other characters in the poem, but the very fact that the names of other characters are their characteristics (pay 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 was the name of a songbird of small size. N. Gogol was associated with Ukraine, so it can be assumed that he had in mind exactly this meaning of the word - Chichikov, like a bird, sings beautiful songs to everyone. There are no other meanings fixed by 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 with such a surname. Therefore, this information should be taken at the level of a hypothesis, it should be argued that this absolutely correct explanation is impossible due to the small amount of information on this subject.
Personality and character
Arriving in the city of N, Pavel Ivanovich gets acquainted with the local landowners, 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 education - such a person cannot be a swindler and a deceiver. But, as it turned out, it was just a tactical move, allowing you to cleverly deceive the landowners.
The first thing that surprises in Chichikov is his attitude to hygiene. For many of his new acquaintances, this has become a sign of a person from high society. Pavel Ivanovich “woke up very early in the morning, washed himself, dried 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, the people around decided that “the newcomer turned out to be such attentiveness to the toilet, which is not even seen everywhere.”
Chichikov is a sucker. “In conversations with these rulers, he very skillfully knew how to flatter everyone.” At the same time, he tried not to tell anything specific about himself, to manage with general phrases, those present thought that he was doing this because of modesty.
In addition, the phrase “he is not a meaningful worm of this world and is not worthy of being cared for a lot, that he experienced a lot in his lifetime, endured in the service of truth, had many enemies who even attempted on his life, and that now, wishing calm down, looking for a place to finally choose a place to live ”caused a certain feeling of pity for Chichikov among those around him.
Soon, all new acquaintances began to speak flatteringly about him, they tried to please "such a pleasant, educated guest."
Manilov, characterizing Chichikov, argued that "he is ready to vouch, as for himself, that he would sacrifice all his estate in order to have a hundredth of the qualities of Pavel Ivanovich."
“The governor said about him that he was a well-intentioned person; the prosecutor - that he is a good person; the gendarmerie colonel said that he was a learned man; the chairman of the chamber - that he is a knowledgeable and respectable person; police chief - that he is a respectable and amiable person; the police chief's wife - that he is the most amiable and courteous person.
As you can see, Pavel Ivanovich managed to infiltrate 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 in the direction of the landlords - his lies and sycophancy were sweet, but not so much that the lies were conspicuous. Pavel Ivanovich knows how not only 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, were very doubtful about the legality of such a sale. Pavel Ivanovich manages to achieve his goal and convince that such a sale is not unusual.
It should be noted that Chichikov has developed intellectual abilities. This manifests itself not only when thinking about a plan to get rich on “dead souls”, but also in the manner of conducting a conversation - he knows how to keep the conversation up to the mark, without having sufficient knowledge in this or that issue, it is unrealistic to look smart in the eyes of others and no flattery and sycophancy unable to save the situation.
In addition, he is very friendly with arithmetic and knows how to quickly perform mathematical operations in his mind: “Seventy-eight, seventy-eight, thirty kopecks per soul, it will be ... - here our hero for one second, no more, thought and said suddenly: - 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” can be successfully replaced by 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, but Chichikov still could not start a conversation, entertained both by the sight 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 quickly finish the job and is afraid that something might go wrong “still, the thought came: that the souls are not quite real and that in such cases such a burden is always needed quickly from the shoulders.
However, his deceit 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. “Yes, it’s just you alone who are not ordered to let in, everyone else is allowed,” the doorman tells him.
The others are also not happy to see him - they mumble something indistinct. 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 was 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 parents thought, would allow him to take a good place in life: “ Pavlusha, study ... most of all please teachers and bosses. Don't hang out with your comrades, they won't teach you good things; and if it comes to that, then hang out with those who are richer, so that on occasion they can be useful to you. Do not treat or treat anyone, but behave better so that you are treated, and most of all, take care and save a penny ... You will do everything and break everything in the world with a penny.
Thus, Pavel Ivanovich, guided by the advice of his parents, lived in such a way that he would not spend money anywhere and save money, but earning considerable capital in an honest way turned out to be an unrealistic matter, even with strict economy and acquaintance with the rich. The plan to buy "dead souls" was supposed to provide Chichikov with fortune and money, but in practice everything turned out to be wrong. The stigma of a swindler and a dishonest person firmly stuck to him. Whether the hero himself learned the lesson of their current situation is a rhetorical question, it is likely that the second volume should reveal the secret, but, unfortunately, Nikolai Vasilievich 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, referring to the principles to which society is subject.
Chichikov in the story by N.V. Gogol "Dead Souls": analysis of the hero, image and characteristics
4.5 (90.37%) 27 votesThe image of Chichikov in N. Gogol's poem "Dead Souls"
N. V. Gogol's poem "Dead Souls" was an important stage in the development of Russian critical realism and was the pinnacle of the writer's artistic work. In his work, Gogol ridiculed the vices of feudal Russia from top to bottom: from the provincial wilderness to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Gogol, according to Herzen, "flaunted Russia noblemen, 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 whole poem, and all 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.” Of course, the writer did not reduce his work to the story of one person; he saw his task in analyzing the various phenomena of life. However, Chichikov is the main character of the poem, holding the whole story together.
Rotating in the circle of landowners, Chichikov 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 nobility, but the estate, where he could do farming, does not bring him income. Chichikov's father was not rich, and he left four worn sweatshirts, two old frock coats and an insignificant amount of money as a legacy to his son. Chichikov, unlike other landowners, made his own way in life. Even during his time at school, he showed an amazing resourcefulness in terms of making money. Practicality, prudence, roguery were already inherent in the character of Chichikov. His fantasy briskly worked on the invention of various kinds of commercial operations. In addition, he deftly knew how to gain confidence in school mentors, and therefore was at school "on an excellent account" and upon graduation he received a book "with golden letters for exemplary diligence and trustworthy behavior." However, Chichikov learned from an early age to evaluate his relationships with people in terms of real benefit. So, for example, he refuses to help the school mentor, although earlier (as a student) he fawned over him. Indifference to other people's beams is another trait in the character of this character.
All the low spiritual qualities of Chichikov manifest themselves with special force when he embarks on the path of independent life activity. The desire to make an "increment to the half", which guided him from early childhood, has now turned into a passionate thirst for hoarding. Pictures of a rich, luxurious life make a great impression on Chichikov. “When a rich man rushed past him on a flying beautiful droshky, on trotters in a rich harness, he stopped in his tracks as if rooted to the spot and then, waking up, as after a long sleep, said: “But there was a clerk, he wore his hair in a circle!”
Having set as his goal to become by all means a rich man, he shows exceptional perseverance, tremendous energy and ingenuity. Chichikov embarks on any scam and speculation, if they promise profits.
Appearing in a provincial town under the guise of a landowner for his own needs, Chichikov extremely quickly not only enters the “chosen society”, but also wins universal sympathy, because as a result of long life practice he brilliantly developed in himself the ability to adapt. He knows how to show himself as a man of good secular education, with a great and versatile cult. But the main strength 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 officials, and the governor himself, were pleased with the arrival of a new interesting person.
Gogol shows that Chichikov very easily "reincarnates", quickly passes from one manner of behavior to another, without changing, however, in anything either himself or his goals. So, for example, in a conversation with Manilov, he easily catches his manner of behavior. Pael Ivanovich is also gallant and courteous, has a penchant for "high" matters, full of sentimental sensitivity. But with Korobochka, Chichikov does not show gallantry. The conversation with her is of a completely different nature. The highly experienced hero quickly deciphers the essence of the character of the landowner and therefore acts very unceremoniously. He does not consider it necessary to be particularly shy - after all, delicacy cannot achieve a concession in acquiring dead souls.
When meeting with Nozdryov, Chichikov diligently adapts to the free and unceremonious style of behavior of a new acquaintance. Nozdryov does not recognize other relationships than "friendly" (what he considers them to be), therefore Chichikov behaves as if they are friends with this landowner. When Nozdryov begins to brag, Chichikov prefers to remain silent, but he vigilantly watches so as not to fall into the nets set by his newfound "friend".
Chichikov's directness and spontaneity completely disappear when he meets Sobakevich and is replaced by a search for the right forms of behavior with this "clumsy bear." Sobakevich is a businessman who knows how to keep his own advantage in everything. In a conversation with him, the main character shows himself to be a wise businessman who knows all sorts of ways to influence a partner. "You won't knock him down, you're unyielding!" Sobakevich thinks to himself.
Chichikov finds an approach to Plushkin, taking the form of a generous well-wisher who wants to help a lonely and defenseless old man. Only in this way it was possible not to arouse suspicion in the hoarder, who is most afraid of being robbed. Having completed all these metamorphoses, the hero again acquires the appearance of a pleasant person in the circle of provincial society, causing noisy enthusiasm. The ease of reincarnation reveals the extraordinary energy and resourcefulness of Chichikov. We understand that behind the imaginary courtesy and gentleness of Chichikov lies a prudent and predatory nature. On his face is the mask of a pious and well-behaved person.
Chichikov does not recognize anything and does not believe in anything except money. Appearing in society in the form of a decent person, he is not in the least inclined to virtue. His mask of good nature and benevolence is only a tool that helps him turn things around.
Obsessed with a passion for wealth, Chichikov does not look like a selfless player who loses his sense of proportion. He is prudent and meticulous. 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. Referring to the biography of Chichikov, the writer declares: "No, it's time to harness the scoundrel." So, acquisitiveness, predation and immorality in the guise of Chichikov are merged into one.
Comparing Chichikov with the landlords, Gogol showed those new features that are characteristic of the heroes who were formed outside the atmosphere of the manor estate. Life tenacity, unusual resourcefulness, adventurism come to the fore here. In an effort to achieve his goals, Chichikov does not know peace. He is in constant motion. The contemplativeness of Manilov is alien to him, but at the same time he is far from the innocence of Korobochka. Cunning and enterprising, he sees 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 burn life, which are an integral feature of Nozdryov's appearance. If all the numerous undertakings of Nozdryov lead to nothing, then everything that Chichikov undertakes bears the stamp of practical ingenuity and efficiency. In turn, this efficiency is not like the rough 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 bred by Gogol in the poem. He, the representative of the new predatory entrepreneurship, does not oppose Manilov or Sobakevich. He grows together with them, gains 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 morality, Chichikov does not burden himself with these concepts, like those landowners with whom he meets.
Gogol shows the reasons for the mortification of the human soul in the image of Chichikov. A joyless childhood, a service where bribery flourishes, a society of immoral people - all this formed a prudent scoundrel out of him. 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. It gives people very accurate characteristics. However, Chichikov is a "dead soul" because he values nothing in life but 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 evaluated by him only from the point of view of material gain.
