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THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR
By Nikolai Gogol
The
Government Inspector, also known as The Inspector
General
Government Inspector, also known as The Inspector
General
It is a satirical play by the Russian and Ukrainian dramatist and
novelist Nikolai Gogol. Originally published in 1836, the play
was revised for an 1842 edition.
novelist Nikolai Gogol. Originally published in 1836, the play
was revised for an 1842 edition.
Based upon an anecdote allegedly recounted to Gogol by Pushkin, the play is a comedy of errors, satirizing human greed,
stupidity, and the extensive political corruption
of Imperial Russia.
stupidity, and the extensive political corruption
of Imperial Russia.
 |
| Nikolai Gogol |
THE
GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR
GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR
By Nikolai
Gogol
Gogol
Setting: Russia
Cast of Characters
– Anton Antonovitch – Mayor
– Artemy Filipovitch – Charity Commissioner
– A’mmos Fyodorovitch – Judge.
– Luka Lukitch – School Superintendent.
– Ivan Koosmitch – Postmaster.
– Peter Ivanovitch (Dobchinsky)
– Peter Ivanovitch (Bobchinsky)
– Stepan Ilyitch –Police Superintendent.
– Anna – Mayor’s wife
– Marya – Mayor’s daughter.
– Yosif –Hlestakov’s Servant
– Ivan Alexandrovitch Hlestakov – a junior official from Petersburg.
– The waiter
– Mishka – a servant.
– Abdulin – a merchant
– Anton Antonovitch – Mayor
– Artemy Filipovitch – Charity Commissioner
– A’mmos Fyodorovitch – Judge.
– Luka Lukitch – School Superintendent.
– Ivan Koosmitch – Postmaster.
– Peter Ivanovitch (Dobchinsky)
– Peter Ivanovitch (Bobchinsky)
– Stepan Ilyitch –Police Superintendent.
– Anna – Mayor’s wife
– Marya – Mayor’s daughter.
– Yosif –Hlestakov’s Servant
– Ivan Alexandrovitch Hlestakov – a junior official from Petersburg.
– The waiter
– Mishka – a servant.
– Abdulin – a merchant
ACT ONE
A room In the Mayor’s
house;
house;
The Mayor brings the
news of the Government inspector who is expected to travel incognito (secretly)
from Petersburg to come and inspect their province. He reads to them a letter
he received from Tchmihov warning them to take precautions about the coming of
the inspector. The Judge, the Charity Commissioner and School Superintendent
are all shocked at hearing this. The Mayor asks everyone in the room to make
advance preparation of their places of work before the arrival of the
inspector. He tells the Charity Commissioner to make things okay in the
hospital. He orders the Judge to put everything in place in the courthouse
including keeping away the geese. He orders the School Superintendent to manage
the teachers especially the one who makes grimaces.
news of the Government inspector who is expected to travel incognito (secretly)
from Petersburg to come and inspect their province. He reads to them a letter
he received from Tchmihov warning them to take precautions about the coming of
the inspector. The Judge, the Charity Commissioner and School Superintendent
are all shocked at hearing this. The Mayor asks everyone in the room to make
advance preparation of their places of work before the arrival of the
inspector. He tells the Charity Commissioner to make things okay in the
hospital. He orders the Judge to put everything in place in the courthouse
including keeping away the geese. He orders the School Superintendent to manage
the teachers especially the one who makes grimaces.
The Postmaster comes
and the mayor asks him to unseal all the letters that pass through his post
office and read them to find out if they have denunciation of the mayor. The
postmaster tells him that he has always been doing so. Dobchinsky and
Bobchinsky come in panting to inform them that the Government Inspector has
been there for two weeks already and has done the inspection as they saw him
inspecting the inn. They all panic and rush to the scene.
and the mayor asks him to unseal all the letters that pass through his post
office and read them to find out if they have denunciation of the mayor. The
postmaster tells him that he has always been doing so. Dobchinsky and
Bobchinsky come in panting to inform them that the Government Inspector has
been there for two weeks already and has done the inspection as they saw him
inspecting the inn. They all panic and rush to the scene.
ACT TWO
Scene one – the room
at the Inn
at the Inn
Yosif –Hlestakov’s
Servant is in his master’s room sprawling on his bed. He expresses his
dissatisfaction with his master’s behaviour of misusing the money to the point
that sometimes he sells his clothes to cover his expenses. When Hlestakov comes
he tells Yosif to go downstairs and order food for him but he refuses because
the landlord has said that he won’t serve him anything until he has paid the
bill he has spent for three weeks. Yosif goes to call the waiter, who comes and
confirms the message. After persuading, the waiter brings him soup but he
criticises it for not being up to his class. The waiter insists that that is
what the landlord can give him because he doesn’t pay.
Servant is in his master’s room sprawling on his bed. He expresses his
dissatisfaction with his master’s behaviour of misusing the money to the point
that sometimes he sells his clothes to cover his expenses. When Hlestakov comes
he tells Yosif to go downstairs and order food for him but he refuses because
the landlord has said that he won’t serve him anything until he has paid the
bill he has spent for three weeks. Yosif goes to call the waiter, who comes and
confirms the message. After persuading, the waiter brings him soup but he
criticises it for not being up to his class. The waiter insists that that is
what the landlord can give him because he doesn’t pay.
The mayor comes to
see him. The inspector is worried that the landlord has reported him to the
Mayor but the Mayor is equally worried that may be they haven’t treated him
well. The Mayor apologises for whatever has happened and admits that he takes
bribes because of his low salary. The inspector having sensed the situation he
grabs the opportunity and asks for a loan from the Mayor who instead of giving
him the 200 roubles he asked doubles it 400 roubles to settle the bills. After
that the Mayor invites him to his house but before they go he asks him to
inspect some of their institutions.
see him. The inspector is worried that the landlord has reported him to the
Mayor but the Mayor is equally worried that may be they haven’t treated him
well. The Mayor apologises for whatever has happened and admits that he takes
bribes because of his low salary. The inspector having sensed the situation he
grabs the opportunity and asks for a loan from the Mayor who instead of giving
him the 200 roubles he asked doubles it 400 roubles to settle the bills. After
that the Mayor invites him to his house but before they go he asks him to
inspect some of their institutions.
Scene two – the room
in the Mayor’s house
in the Mayor’s house
Anna and Marya are at
home and Dobchinsky comes in a hurry to bring the report of the visitor who
will soon visit their house. He brings a note that instructs the Mayor’s wife
to prepare a room and wine for the guest. As they prepare the place Yosif
brings Hlestakov’s trunk and asks for food because he is hungry. The mayor and
his delegation continue to take Hlestakov through the institutions in the town.
He praises the dinner they gave him. They inform him that there were only few
patients in the hospital because most of them have recovered due to honesty,
cleanliness and good order in the hospital.
home and Dobchinsky comes in a hurry to bring the report of the visitor who
will soon visit their house. He brings a note that instructs the Mayor’s wife
to prepare a room and wine for the guest. As they prepare the place Yosif
brings Hlestakov’s trunk and asks for food because he is hungry. The mayor and
his delegation continue to take Hlestakov through the institutions in the town.
He praises the dinner they gave him. They inform him that there were only few
patients in the hospital because most of them have recovered due to honesty,
cleanliness and good order in the hospital.
The Mayor’s wife and
daughter come and they are introduced to Hlestakov. As they sit down Hlestakov
chats with Anna and says how he was once mistaken for the Commander–in-Chief.
He also tells her that he is a great author and has written plays and bits for
the magazines such as; “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Robert the devil”, Norma”
and “Youri Miloslavsky” which is not true. He boasts about many things
and exaggerates the luxurious life he lives in Petersburg. He becomes drunk of
wine which he was drinking while talking. He goes to sleep.
daughter come and they are introduced to Hlestakov. As they sit down Hlestakov
chats with Anna and says how he was once mistaken for the Commander–in-Chief.
He also tells her that he is a great author and has written plays and bits for
the magazines such as; “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Robert the devil”, Norma”
and “Youri Miloslavsky” which is not true. He boasts about many things
and exaggerates the luxurious life he lives in Petersburg. He becomes drunk of
wine which he was drinking while talking. He goes to sleep.
ACT THREE
Scene one – the room
in the mayor’s house.
in the mayor’s house.
The mayor wakes up
confused because of the presence of a distinguished guest in his house. He asks
Yosif what kind of treatment his master likes and Yosif grabs the opportunity.
He says that his master likes being well received and entertained. He adds “But
he always sees I’m well treated!” They give him the bribe. The Mayor orders
the Charity Commissioner, Judge and the School Superintendent to make sure that
things are ok in their places of work.
confused because of the presence of a distinguished guest in his house. He asks
Yosif what kind of treatment his master likes and Yosif grabs the opportunity.
He says that his master likes being well received and entertained. He adds “But
he always sees I’m well treated!” They give him the bribe. The Mayor orders
the Charity Commissioner, Judge and the School Superintendent to make sure that
things are ok in their places of work.
They all plan the best
way to bribe Hlestakov and they choose the Judge to be their leader in that
mission. The Judge goes in to meet him. He drops the money down and Hlestakov
picks it not knowing it was meant for him. The School Superintendent comes in
and Hlestakov asks him to lend him 400 roubles because he was cleaned out all
his money in a card game promising to refund him when he reaches home. School
Superintendent gives him the money but tells him not to think of returning it.
way to bribe Hlestakov and they choose the Judge to be their leader in that
mission. The Judge goes in to meet him. He drops the money down and Hlestakov
picks it not knowing it was meant for him. The School Superintendent comes in
and Hlestakov asks him to lend him 400 roubles because he was cleaned out all
his money in a card game promising to refund him when he reaches home. School
Superintendent gives him the money but tells him not to think of returning it.
Then the Charity
Commissioner comes in and accuses his fellows to Hlestakov. He says the School
Superintendent is useless because he puts evil ideas in the minds of the young.
He says the Judge does nothing but coursing (hunting), and sleeping with
Dobchinsky’s wife. He finishes by accusing the Postmaster for delaying mails.
Hlestakov asks him to lend him 400 roubles because he was cleaned out all his
money in a card game and Charity Commissioner gives him.
Commissioner comes in and accuses his fellows to Hlestakov. He says the School
Superintendent is useless because he puts evil ideas in the minds of the young.
He says the Judge does nothing but coursing (hunting), and sleeping with
Dobchinsky’s wife. He finishes by accusing the Postmaster for delaying mails.
Hlestakov asks him to lend him 400 roubles because he was cleaned out all his
money in a card game and Charity Commissioner gives him.
Dobchinsky and
Bobchinsky enter and he asks them to give him 1,000 roubles but they both have
65 roubles in total. He takes it. He wonders why they treat him like somebody
very important in the government. His servant Yosif suggests that it’s the
right time they leave before the real man appears but he refuses.
Bobchinsky enter and he asks them to give him 1,000 roubles but they both have
65 roubles in total. He takes it. He wonders why they treat him like somebody
very important in the government. His servant Yosif suggests that it’s the
right time they leave before the real man appears but he refuses.
Suddenly the
shopkeepers come with petitions to accuse the Mayor of bad leadership and for
forcing them to give him their best items from their shops. They give him
corruption to deal with the mayor but he asks for the loan of 300 roubles
instead, but they give him 500. Two women also come to accuse the Mayor. The
wife of the town locksmith accuses the Mayor for arresting her husband in
advance by false accusation that he has not stolen anything yet but he will
steal one day.
shopkeepers come with petitions to accuse the Mayor of bad leadership and for
forcing them to give him their best items from their shops. They give him
corruption to deal with the mayor but he asks for the loan of 300 roubles
instead, but they give him 500. Two women also come to accuse the Mayor. The
wife of the town locksmith accuses the Mayor for arresting her husband in
advance by false accusation that he has not stolen anything yet but he will
steal one day.
Hlestakov starts to
seduce Marya. Anna (her mother) finds him kneeling down before her apologizing
and chases her away. He starts seducing the mother as well. Marya comes back he
falls in love with her again. The mayor comes and refutes all the charges
brought against him. Hlestakov asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage or else
he will kill himself. The mayor gives them a father’s blessing. Yosif comes to
report that the horse is ready and they leave promising to come back.
seduce Marya. Anna (her mother) finds him kneeling down before her apologizing
and chases her away. He starts seducing the mother as well. Marya comes back he
falls in love with her again. The mayor comes and refutes all the charges
brought against him. Hlestakov asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage or else
he will kill himself. The mayor gives them a father’s blessing. Yosif comes to
report that the horse is ready and they leave promising to come back.
Scene two – The room
in the Mayor’s house.
in the Mayor’s house.
The Mayor is angry at
those who brought complaints against him and promises to make it hotter for
them. He gives orders to fetch them to his house immediately and calls then “Ungrateful
dogs”. Meanwhile, he thinks of moving to Petersburg where he can have a
higher rank such as a general. Marya asks about what will happen once she gets
married but her mother tells her, she should not bother about it.
those who brought complaints against him and promises to make it hotter for
them. He gives orders to fetch them to his house immediately and calls then “Ungrateful
dogs”. Meanwhile, he thinks of moving to Petersburg where he can have a
higher rank such as a general. Marya asks about what will happen once she gets
married but her mother tells her, she should not bother about it.
The merchants arrive
and the Mayor insults them because of the charges and complaints they said
against him. He calls them
“You tea-swillers! You offal merchants! You good-for-nothing gutterscraping,
counter-jumpers” (p.68) He says how he helped the 2nd
merchant to get a government contract of supplying rotten clothes and he makes
100,000. He also showed Abdulin how to make fortune on the bridge contract by
putting timbers down at 20,000 roubles and it wasn’t worth a hundred. They all
apologise claiming that the devil tempted them. Finally, he forgives and warns
them not to repeat.
and the Mayor insults them because of the charges and complaints they said
against him. He calls them
“You tea-swillers! You offal merchants! You good-for-nothing gutterscraping,
counter-jumpers” (p.68) He says how he helped the 2nd
merchant to get a government contract of supplying rotten clothes and he makes
100,000. He also showed Abdulin how to make fortune on the bridge contract by
putting timbers down at 20,000 roubles and it wasn’t worth a hundred. They all
apologise claiming that the devil tempted them. Finally, he forgives and warns
them not to repeat.
A number of guests
and well-wishers come to congratulate him for his good fortune of being the
father-in-law of an important man. He tells them that he is now going to live
in Petersburg where he can possibly attain the position/rank of a General and
he promises them a lot of favours he can do for them.
and well-wishers come to congratulate him for his good fortune of being the
father-in-law of an important man. He tells them that he is now going to live
in Petersburg where he can possibly attain the position/rank of a General and
he promises them a lot of favours he can do for them.
Suddenly the Postman
comes with bad news. He brings the letter which Hlestakov wrote to his friend – Tryapitchkin telling him the way the people mistook
him for the Inspector-General and treated him kindly giving him money as loans.
Also, the letter talks about the way he referred to them as stupid especially
the Mayor whom he said “he is as stupid as an old grey mule.” (p.75)
They are all taken by surprise because the Judge, Charity Commissioner and The
School Superintendent all gave him 400 roubles each making a sum of 1,200
roubles while Bod and Dob gave him 65 roubles.
comes with bad news. He brings the letter which Hlestakov wrote to his friend – Tryapitchkin telling him the way the people mistook
him for the Inspector-General and treated him kindly giving him money as loans.
Also, the letter talks about the way he referred to them as stupid especially
the Mayor whom he said “he is as stupid as an old grey mule.” (p.75)
They are all taken by surprise because the Judge, Charity Commissioner and The
School Superintendent all gave him 400 roubles each making a sum of 1,200
roubles while Bod and Dob gave him 65 roubles.
The Mayor blames
himself for being fooled like that. Then they all blame Bob and Dob because
they are the ones who brought the news that he was the Inspector General.
Finally, Gendarme comes to report that “His excellency the Inspector-General
appointed by Imperial decree has arrived from St. Petersburg. He is in
residence at the hotel and requires your presence there immediately.”
(p.80) They are all astonished as if they are thunderstruck.
himself for being fooled like that. Then they all blame Bob and Dob because
they are the ones who brought the news that he was the Inspector General.
Finally, Gendarme comes to report that “His excellency the Inspector-General
appointed by Imperial decree has arrived from St. Petersburg. He is in
residence at the hotel and requires your presence there immediately.”
(p.80) They are all astonished as if they are thunderstruck.
INTRODUCTION/TITLE OF
THE PLAY
THE PLAY
The
Government Inspector is a comedy play that was written by Nikolai
Vasilyevitch Gogol in 1834. It features a junior civil servant called Hlestakov who is broke and starving but is mistaken
for the dreaded Nemesis, the Inspector-General. A word has gone round that the
Inspector general would be travelling incognito (secretly) from Petersburg.
This makes the town officials panic and mistakenly they hear about the presence
of Hlestakov in one of
the inns in town and they think of him as Inspector-General and treat him so,
with due respect.
Government Inspector is a comedy play that was written by Nikolai
Vasilyevitch Gogol in 1834. It features a junior civil servant called Hlestakov who is broke and starving but is mistaken
for the dreaded Nemesis, the Inspector-General. A word has gone round that the
Inspector general would be travelling incognito (secretly) from Petersburg.
This makes the town officials panic and mistakenly they hear about the presence
of Hlestakov in one of
the inns in town and they think of him as Inspector-General and treat him so,
with due respect.
So, The Government
Inspector is none other than Hlestakov who earned that title by mistake and
enjoyed that privilege taking advantage of the ignorance of the corrupt and
ignorant town officials to exploit them. Towards the end of the play the real
Inspector-General comes.
Inspector is none other than Hlestakov who earned that title by mistake and
enjoyed that privilege taking advantage of the ignorance of the corrupt and
ignorant town officials to exploit them. Towards the end of the play the real
Inspector-General comes.
SETTING
The setting of the play is in a small town in
Southern Russia during the reign of Tsar, when it was written in 1834. However,
there are other minor sub-settings such as;
Southern Russia during the reign of Tsar, when it was written in 1834. However,
there are other minor sub-settings such as;
¨ The inn, where the Mayor meets Hlestakov.
¨ The
Mayor’s house where the rest of the events in the plot of the story take place.
Mayor’s house where the rest of the events in the plot of the story take place.
CHARACTERISATION
Anton Antonovitch – the town Mayor
¨ He is corrupt. He gives and receives corruption just like all
other town officials.
other town officials.
¨ He is a hypocrite. He admits that he goes to
church on Sunday but he takes bribes.
church on Sunday but he takes bribes.
¨ He is a power monger. He is a Mayor but always thinks
of higher ranks like being appointed a General. He says to his wife “I may
get a better rank now” (p.67)
of higher ranks like being appointed a General. He says to his wife “I may
get a better rank now” (p.67)
¨ He is abusive and cruel. He insults
those merchants who brought charges against him. He
calls them “You cheap jacks! You cloth-stretchers! You tea-swillers!
You offal merchants! You good-for-nothing gutterscraping, counter-jumpers”
(p.68)
those merchants who brought charges against him. He
calls them “You cheap jacks! You cloth-stretchers! You tea-swillers!
You offal merchants! You good-for-nothing gutterscraping, counter-jumpers”
(p.68)
¨ He is hot tempered and serious. He gets angry
easily and reacts angrily as he does to the merchants. (p.68)
easily and reacts angrily as he does to the merchants. (p.68)
Ivan Alexandrovitch Hlestakov
¨ He is a junior civil servant mistaken for Inspector-General. He is mistaken as the Inspector-General and is treated so while he
isn’t.
isn’t.
¨ He is extravagant. He squanders the money he is
given by his father to the point of selling his clothes to cover his expenses.
Yosif reports “One time, everything went, down to our last shirt and he only
had a tail-coat and an overcoat left!” (p.16)
given by his father to the point of selling his clothes to cover his expenses.
Yosif reports “One time, everything went, down to our last shirt and he only
had a tail-coat and an overcoat left!” (p.16)
¨ He is pompous. He boasts and brags about himself for the
accomplishments he has not done. For example, he says; “My house is the best known in Petersburg. Everybody knows
it, they point it out to strangers” (p.38)
accomplishments he has not done. For example, he says; “My house is the best known in Petersburg. Everybody knows
it, they point it out to strangers” (p.38)
¨ He is a dishonest man. He is
dishonest because he uses the ignorance of the town officials who had mistaken
him for the Inspector-General and uses that opportunity to exploit them.
dishonest because he uses the ignorance of the town officials who had mistaken
him for the Inspector-General and uses that opportunity to exploit them.
¨ He is tricky, exploiter and corrupt. He uses the
tricky to get more money from the town officials by telling them, he was
cleaned out in a card game and he wants them to give him a loan, which he will
pay after reaching Petersburg.
tricky to get more money from the town officials by telling them, he was
cleaned out in a card game and he wants them to give him a loan, which he will
pay after reaching Petersburg.
¨ He is a hypocrite. He pretends to love the wife of
the Mayor, then changes his mind to her daughter. He says to Marya “It was
my love for you that made me do it” (p.60) then he says to Anna “No! It
is you I love! My life is hanging by a thread!” (p.61)
the Mayor, then changes his mind to her daughter. He says to Marya “It was
my love for you that made me do it” (p.60) then he says to Anna “No! It
is you I love! My life is hanging by a thread!” (p.61)
¨ He is scatter-brained. The words
come out of his mouth quite unpredictably.
come out of his mouth quite unpredictably.
¨ He is a drunkard. He drinks wine heavily at the
Mayor’s house to the point of losing his senses.
Mayor’s house to the point of losing his senses.
¨ He is abusive. He calls the waiter; “You fool you!”, and “You
dirty pig” (p.20). He tells Yosif “That’s enough idiot” (p.17)
dirty pig” (p.20). He tells Yosif “That’s enough idiot” (p.17)
Artemy Filipovitch Zemlyanika
¨ He is an irresponsible Charity Commissioner. He works as a
charity commissioner in the hospital but he is irresponsible. In his own words
he says “We don’t bother with expensive medicines! These patients are very
simple people if they die well, they die!” (p.3)
charity commissioner in the hospital but he is irresponsible. In his own words
he says “We don’t bother with expensive medicines! These patients are very
simple people if they die well, they die!” (p.3)
¨ He is boastful. He boasts that ever since he took control of the hospital, “the
patients have got better” and he says “it’s not so much a matter of
medicines, as of honesty, cleanliness and good order” (p.34)
patients have got better” and he says “it’s not so much a matter of
medicines, as of honesty, cleanliness and good order” (p.34)
¨ He is corrupt. Just like other town officials he takes and gives
corruption. For example; he bribes Hlestakov 400
roubles not to take serious measures against him.
corruption. For example; he bribes Hlestakov 400
roubles not to take serious measures against him.
¨ He is dishonest and a hypocrite. The
hospital has always been in a bad condition but the day they heard the
government inspector is coming they cleaned the rooms and sent some patients
home to avoid congestion.
hospital has always been in a bad condition but the day they heard the
government inspector is coming they cleaned the rooms and sent some patients
home to avoid congestion.
¨ He is a gossiper. He accuses others to Hlestakov so as to gain favour. He says that the School
Superintendent puts evil ideas into the minds of the young and that the Judge
dates Dob’s wife and all his children were fathered by the Judge. (p.50)
Superintendent puts evil ideas into the minds of the young and that the Judge
dates Dob’s wife and all his children were fathered by the Judge. (p.50)
A’mmos Fyodorovitch
¨ He is an irresponsible District Judge. His courthouse is
dirty especially because his porter keeps the geese that make the place smelly.
(p.3)
dirty especially because his porter keeps the geese that make the place smelly.
(p.3)
¨ He is fond of hunting. His
greatest hobby is hunting (coursing). (p.7)
greatest hobby is hunting (coursing). (p.7)
¨ He is corrupt as he gives and takes bribes. He admits for doing this when he says “Well there are sins and sins. I freely admit I take bribes”
(p. 4). Also, he gives 400 roubles to Hlestakov as
bribe.
(p. 4). Also, he gives 400 roubles to Hlestakov as
bribe.
¨ He is a great spinner of theories. He has
read five or six books in his lifetime. For example, he says the Ministry is
sending the inspector to find out if there is treason anywhere. (p.2)
read five or six books in his lifetime. For example, he says the Ministry is
sending the inspector to find out if there is treason anywhere. (p.2)
¨ He is nervous. When he meets Hlestakov he panics to the
point of dropping the money on the floor. He says “I feel as if I were on
trial for my life” (p.47)
point of dropping the money on the floor. He says “I feel as if I were on
trial for my life” (p.47)
¨ He is a hypocrite. He pretends to treat Hlestakov
with kindness and gives him the money just to cover up his failings in the
district court.
with kindness and gives him the money just to cover up his failings in the
district court.
Luka Lukitch
¨ He is a School Superintendent. He is in
charge of supervision of the school and all the teachers.
charge of supervision of the school and all the teachers.
¨ He is corrupt. He gives 400 roubles to Hlestakov
and says “Yes here it. Don’t dream of returning it Your Ex….Grad…lency!”
(p.49)
and says “Yes here it. Don’t dream of returning it Your Ex….Grad…lency!”
(p.49)
¨ He is a hypocrite. Like his fellow officials he
does things to cover up his failings before the inspection.
does things to cover up his failings before the inspection.
Ivan Koosmitch
¨ He works as Postmaster. He is
accused by the Charity commissioner for delaying mails. (p.50)
accused by the Charity commissioner for delaying mails. (p.50)
¨ He is a dishonest man. He opens
and reads people’s letters that pass at his post office. (p.6) That’s how he
found out the true identity of Hlestakov.
and reads people’s letters that pass at his post office. (p.6) That’s how he
found out the true identity of Hlestakov.
¨ He is corrupt. He suggests that they should bribe the inspector
by telling him that “some money has been sent by post, and nobody knows who
it belongs to!” (p.45)
by telling him that “some money has been sent by post, and nobody knows who
it belongs to!” (p.45)
Yosif
¨ He is Hlestakov’s
servant. He is a body servant, just a serf. (.43)
servant. He is a body servant, just a serf. (.43)
¨ He is intelligent than his master. He
sometimes advises his master good advice although he is ignored. He discovers
that the town officials have mistaken him with somebody and advises him to
leave before the real man comes. (p.53)
sometimes advises his master good advice although he is ignored. He discovers
that the town officials have mistaken him with somebody and advises him to
leave before the real man comes. (p.53)
¨ He is tricky and opportunist. When they
ask him what his master likes he grabs the opportunity and says “But he
always sees I’m well treated”. (p.43) as a result they give him a couple of
roubles.
ask him what his master likes he grabs the opportunity and says “But he
always sees I’m well treated”. (p.43) as a result they give him a couple of
roubles.
¨ He is confident. Sometimes he argues with his
master as in page 17. Also when he tells him, they should leave immediately and
the master says “perhaps tomorrow” he says “Tomorrow! Now is the time
to be off! (p.53)
master as in page 17. Also when he tells him, they should leave immediately and
the master says “perhaps tomorrow” he says “Tomorrow! Now is the time
to be off! (p.53)
Anna Andreyevina
¨ The mayor’s
wife and the mother to Marya.
wife and the mother to Marya.
¨ She is an avid reader of novels. When she
talks with Hlestakov she tells her the books he has read some of which she
thinks were written by him. Like “Youri Miloslavsky”
talks with Hlestakov she tells her the books he has read some of which she
thinks were written by him. Like “Youri Miloslavsky”
¨ She is curious. She asks many questions just for knowledge.
¨ She is an easy-going. She is almost persuaded to fall
in love with the guest had it not been for the presence of her daughter and the
sudden appearance of the Mayor.
in love with the guest had it not been for the presence of her daughter and the
sudden appearance of the Mayor.
LANGUAGE USE
Simile
¨ I’m so hungry my bell’s rumbling like a regiment of drummers! (p.15)
¨ You see my father is as stupid and obstinate as a block of wood
(p.25)
(p.25)
¨ I went through that department like an earthquake, absolutely like an
earthquake. (p.39)
earthquake. (p.39)
¨ Everything trembled and fell like a leaf. (p.39)
¨ I’m still sweating like a bull. (p.46)
¨ It would be as suitable as a saddle on a cow. (p.72)
¨ First there’s a Mayor: he’s a generous chap, his hospitality is like a
pole-axe, but he’s as stupid as an old grey mule! (p.75)
pole-axe, but he’s as stupid as an old grey mule! (p.75)
¨ The Charity Commissioner, Zemlyanika, looks exactly like a sow in a
nightcap. (p.76)
nightcap. (p.76)
¨ They came running here from the inn, babbling like lunatics! (p.79)
Metaphor
¨ They are only pumpkins, they wouldn’t know what that meant! (p.19)
¨ Goodbye! Angel of my heart! (p.64)
¨ But do you realise, Anna, we’ve become birds of a different feather now!
(p.66)
(p.66)
¨ Ungrateful dogs! (the Mayor referring to the
merchants)
merchants)
Litotes
¨ That is not impossible. (p.49) Which means
that is possible.
that is possible.
Oxymoron
¨ I was racked with icy shiverings! Fire and ice! (p.74)
Exaggeration
¨ I’m so hungry I could eat the whole world! (p.16)
¨ Every minute! More messengers! Pouring along the street! You can
imagine! 35,000 messengers. (p.39)
imagine! 35,000 messengers. (p.39)
¨ But you know it is impossible to get rid of the smell in the hospital!
It will take years! (p.45)
It will take years! (p.45)
¨ And when I touched the wax, fire ran in my veins, my body fell on fire!
(p.74)
(p.74)
¨ My head swam! I didn’t know where I was. (p.74)
¨ I’ve swindled the swindlers by thousands! Rogues and rascals, that would
have stolen the whole world. (p.78)
have stolen the whole world. (p.78)
Proverbs and sayings
¨ My heart’s in my mouth. (p.8)
¨ There is more here than meets the eye. (p.9)
¨ Now there is nothing left to us but ropes around our necks and die.
(p.55)
(p.55)
¨ You know they say “New notes new happiness”. (p.64)
¨ Trust a pig to smell out the rich feeding! (p.72)
¨ A great ship must sail in deep waters. (p.72)
¨ Yes merit will get its rewards. (p.72)
¨ There’s an old head on young shoulders. (P.31)
¨ An empty belly makes everything heavy. (p.32)
¨ We know whose garden you’re throwing stones into (p.35)
STYLE
The playwright has used several techniques in his
play.
play.
¨ Dialogue. The play is to a large part presented in a dialogue
just as expected of any drama.
just as expected of any drama.
¨ Monologue. There are some few cases of monologue as the one
recorded in page 15-16 when Yosif speaks alone in his master’s room.
recorded in page 15-16 when Yosif speaks alone in his master’s room.
¨ Aside. There is a frequent use of aside – a feature common
in Russian dramas. As in page 25 “(aside) What a liar! Fairy tale after
fairy tale, and all so consistent” such asides are scattered throughout the
play.
in Russian dramas. As in page 25 “(aside) What a liar! Fairy tale after
fairy tale, and all so consistent” such asides are scattered throughout the
play.
¨ Point of view. The dominant point of view
is first person point of view in which the characters speak from their own
points of view using the pronouns “I” and “we” more frequently.
is first person point of view in which the characters speak from their own
points of view using the pronouns “I” and “we” more frequently.
PLOT
The plot is simple, straightforward and is divided
in three acts. Act one is made of only one scene, and it introduces the
characters, setting, the basic situation and the conflict we are about to see
in this play. Act two has a further subdivision in two scenes which develop the
conflict to the highest point. Act three has two scenes which not only take the
conflict to the climax but also takes it to the resolution. As indicated above.
in three acts. Act one is made of only one scene, and it introduces the
characters, setting, the basic situation and the conflict we are about to see
in this play. Act two has a further subdivision in two scenes which develop the
conflict to the highest point. Act three has two scenes which not only take the
conflict to the climax but also takes it to the resolution. As indicated above.
THEMATIC
ANALYSIS
ANALYSIS
BRIBERY/CORRUPTION
The major theme of the play is corruption and
bribery. The society is extremely corrupt and they induce corruption in order
to get favours from the superiors or cover up their failings. There are many
cases of bribery and corruption in the play but we shall look at some of them.
bribery. The society is extremely corrupt and they induce corruption in order
to get favours from the superiors or cover up their failings. There are many
cases of bribery and corruption in the play but we shall look at some of them.
¨ The town
officials are corrupt. The Judge, The Mayor, The Charity Commissioner and The
School Superintendent all give corruption to Hlestakov after mistaking him for
the Inspector-General in order to soften his heart when he will be giving a
report after the inspection of their institutions. After discovering that he is
not the inspector they lament.
officials are corrupt. The Judge, The Mayor, The Charity Commissioner and The
School Superintendent all give corruption to Hlestakov after mistaking him for
the Inspector-General in order to soften his heart when he will be giving a
report after the inspection of their institutions. After discovering that he is
not the inspector they lament.
Judge: Good God! And I gave him 400 roubles!
CC: so did I!
SS: He got 400 out of me too! (p.77)
¨ The judge
takes corruption as a district judge. He admits when he says: Well there are
sins and sins. I freely admit I take bribes” (p. 4).
takes corruption as a district judge. He admits when he says: Well there are
sins and sins. I freely admit I take bribes” (p. 4).
¨ The mayor
gives bribe to Yosif. He does so because Yosif tells him that in case he does
not treat him well his master will not be happy. So, to clear the air the mayor
says; “here is a couple of roubles for you” (p.44)
gives bribe to Yosif. He does so because Yosif tells him that in case he does
not treat him well his master will not be happy. So, to clear the air the mayor
says; “here is a couple of roubles for you” (p.44)
¨ The
merchants are also corrupt. They also come with sugar and wine to bribe the
Inspector but they call it “our simple offerings”. He tells them “No!
Don’t think of it I never take bribes!” He asks for money instead and they
give him 500 roubles instead of the 300 he requested as a loan. “By all
means, honoured sir! 300 roubles! Why not five?” (p.56)
merchants are also corrupt. They also come with sugar and wine to bribe the
Inspector but they call it “our simple offerings”. He tells them “No!
Don’t think of it I never take bribes!” He asks for money instead and they
give him 500 roubles instead of the 300 he requested as a loan. “By all
means, honoured sir! 300 roubles! Why not five?” (p.56)
IRRESPONSIBILITY
The town officials are all irresponsible in their
duties and responsibilities. They don’t do their works until there is an
inspector coming; they try to cover up things using corruption.
duties and responsibilities. They don’t do their works until there is an
inspector coming; they try to cover up things using corruption.
¨ The mayor is
irresponsible as he knows the 2nd merchant supplies rotten cloths
but does not take measures. He showed Mr Abdulin “how to make a fortune on
the bridge contract by putting down timbers at 20,000 roubles and it wasn’t
worth a hundred” (p.69)
irresponsible as he knows the 2nd merchant supplies rotten cloths
but does not take measures. He showed Mr Abdulin “how to make a fortune on
the bridge contract by putting down timbers at 20,000 roubles and it wasn’t
worth a hundred” (p.69)
¨ The judge is irresponsible. His courthouse is dirty especially because
his porter keeps the geese that make the place smelly. (p.3) He is not taking
any measures.
his porter keeps the geese that make the place smelly. (p.3) He is not taking
any measures.
¨ The Charity
Commissioner is irresponsible. He works as a charity commissioner in the
hospital but he is irresponsible. In his own words he says “We don’t bother
with expensive medicines! These patients are very simple people if they die
well, they die!” (p.3)
Commissioner is irresponsible. He works as a charity commissioner in the
hospital but he is irresponsible. In his own words he says “We don’t bother
with expensive medicines! These patients are very simple people if they die
well, they die!” (p.3)
HYPOCRISY AND MENTAL CONTORTION.
Many people are hypocrites. The town officials are
hypocrites because they clean their offices just because they have heard of the
coming of the inspector. This is very common among the government officers in
most countries. Civil servants usually get things ready when there is a
superior visiting them but after that they return to business as usual.
hypocrites because they clean their offices just because they have heard of the
coming of the inspector. This is very common among the government officers in
most countries. Civil servants usually get things ready when there is a
superior visiting them but after that they return to business as usual.
¨ The officials brag about themselves for good accomplishments while in
reality they have done nothing to bring about development. The Charity
Commissioner boasts that ever since he took control of the hospital, “the
patients have got better” and he says “it’s not so much a matter of
medicines, as of honesty, cleanliness and good order” (p.34)
reality they have done nothing to bring about development. The Charity
Commissioner boasts that ever since he took control of the hospital, “the
patients have got better” and he says “it’s not so much a matter of
medicines, as of honesty, cleanliness and good order” (p.34)
¨ Also, he pretends to be a friend to the Judge, School Superintendent and
the Postmaster but he back-bites them and accuses them to the inspector so as
to gain favour. About the School superintendent he says: “I don’t know how
the authorities can employ such a man! He is worse than Jacobin. He puts evil
ideas into the minds of the young” (p.49)
the Postmaster but he back-bites them and accuses them to the inspector so as
to gain favour. About the School superintendent he says: “I don’t know how
the authorities can employ such a man! He is worse than Jacobin. He puts evil
ideas into the minds of the young” (p.49)
¨ The Mayor is a hypocrite. He admits that he goes to church on Sunday but
he takes bribes.
he takes bribes.
¨ Hlestakov is a hypocrite. He pretends to love the wife of the
Mayor, and then changes his mind to her daughter. He says to Marya “It was
my love for you that made me do it” (p.60) then he says to Anna “No! It
is you I love! My life is hanging by a thread!” (p.61)
Mayor, and then changes his mind to her daughter. He says to Marya “It was
my love for you that made me do it” (p.60) then he says to Anna “No! It
is you I love! My life is hanging by a thread!” (p.61)
¨ The judge is a hypocrite. He pretends to treat Hlestakov
with kindness and gives him the money just to cover up his failings in the
district court.
with kindness and gives him the money just to cover up his failings in the
district court.
LOVE AND MARRIAGE
Love is one of the driving forces that can
necessarily lead to potential marriage. In this play there are two sides of
love.
necessarily lead to potential marriage. In this play there are two sides of
love.
¨ One is
hypocritical love that is shown by Hlestakov and the Mayor’s wife. Hlestakov
falls in love with the Mayor’s daughter and tells her “It was my love for
you that made me do it! Just my love! Forgive me! Marya Antonovna!” (p.60)
Again he falls in love with the Mayor’s wife knowing that she is married. So,
in a way he was betraying his benefactor.
hypocritical love that is shown by Hlestakov and the Mayor’s wife. Hlestakov
falls in love with the Mayor’s daughter and tells her “It was my love for
you that made me do it! Just my love! Forgive me! Marya Antonovna!” (p.60)
Again he falls in love with the Mayor’s wife knowing that she is married. So,
in a way he was betraying his benefactor.
¨ He tells her
“Madame you see I am burning with love” (p. 61). He adds “No! It is
you I love! My life is hanging by the thread! If you will not requite my
undying love, then I am unworthy to walk this earth! With heart aglow, I beg
your hand! (p.61) This is hypocritical love; falling in love with the
mother and her daughter.
“Madame you see I am burning with love” (p. 61). He adds “No! It is
you I love! My life is hanging by the thread! If you will not requite my
undying love, then I am unworthy to walk this earth! With heart aglow, I beg
your hand! (p.61) This is hypocritical love; falling in love with the
mother and her daughter.
¨ Another case
is forced marriage. Marya is married off to Hlestakov without being asked
whether or not she loves him. Her mother and father just decide on her behalf.
When she asks about what will happen when she is married the mother says;
is forced marriage. Marya is married off to Hlestakov without being asked
whether or not she loves him. Her mother and father just decide on her behalf.
When she asks about what will happen when she is married the mother says;
Anna: “Hush
child! You shouldn’t be bothering your head with such things, your father and I
will see to everything!
child! You shouldn’t be bothering your head with such things, your father and I
will see to everything!
Marya: But
it’s me he is going to marry…” (p.68)
it’s me he is going to marry…” (p.68)
CONFLICT
There are two major conflicts portrayed in this
society.
society.
¨ The political conflict involving the
high class represented by the leaders who have political power such as the
Mayor and the lower class represented by common citizens and the merchants.
These are oppressed and exploited by the high class. The 2nd
Merchant accuses the mayor “But if you say a word, he’ll billet a regiment
on you. He’ll shut up your business! ‘I shan’t have you flogged or tortured’,
he says ‘that’s forbidden by law!” (p.56)
high class represented by the leaders who have political power such as the
Mayor and the lower class represented by common citizens and the merchants.
These are oppressed and exploited by the high class. The 2nd
Merchant accuses the mayor “But if you say a word, he’ll billet a regiment
on you. He’ll shut up your business! ‘I shan’t have you flogged or tortured’,
he says ‘that’s forbidden by law!” (p.56)
¨ Intrapersonal conflict within the
town officials after hearing about the coming of the inspector who is coming
secretly. They all panic and use bribes to cover up their failings.
town officials after hearing about the coming of the inspector who is coming
secretly. They all panic and use bribes to cover up their failings.
BAD LEADERSHIP.
There is generally bad leadership in this society.
The mayor and other government officials are perfect examples of bad leaders.
The mayor and other government officials are perfect examples of bad leaders.
¨ They are
irresponsible in their duties. The mayor is a power monger just thinking of
positions of higher ranks while he has not been able to accomplish his duties
as a mayor.
irresponsible in their duties. The mayor is a power monger just thinking of
positions of higher ranks while he has not been able to accomplish his duties
as a mayor.
¨ The mayor
hates criticism for bad leadership so he uses threats and intimidations to
command respect from the citizens. He orders the constable “well, see that
nobody gets in, with a petition or without a petition. Or anybody who even
looks as if he might want to bring a petition against me, throw them out
head-first, you understand!” (p.41) When he is accused of bad leadership he
says “Wait! My pretty dears! Dirty Jew-dogs! It will be much worse for you
now!” (p.66)
hates criticism for bad leadership so he uses threats and intimidations to
command respect from the citizens. He orders the constable “well, see that
nobody gets in, with a petition or without a petition. Or anybody who even
looks as if he might want to bring a petition against me, throw them out
head-first, you understand!” (p.41) When he is accused of bad leadership he
says “Wait! My pretty dears! Dirty Jew-dogs! It will be much worse for you
now!” (p.66)
¨ The leaders
are corrupt and selfish. They just think of how to retain their positions and
not solving the problems of the people. They use corruption if possible, to
cover their failings and retain their positions.
are corrupt and selfish. They just think of how to retain their positions and
not solving the problems of the people. They use corruption if possible, to
cover their failings and retain their positions.
NEPOTISM
¨ Many people
expect to get favours from the Mayor in case he goes to live in Petersburg
because they are friends; Korob for instance says “I shall be bringing my
son to the capital next year, to enter him in the service. I hope you will do
me the favour of taking him under your protection, and keeping a fatherly eye
on him” (p.73)
expect to get favours from the Mayor in case he goes to live in Petersburg
because they are friends; Korob for instance says “I shall be bringing my
son to the capital next year, to enter him in the service. I hope you will do
me the favour of taking him under your protection, and keeping a fatherly eye
on him” (p.73)
¨ The Charity
Commissioner also comments that the mayor should not forget his friends once he
gains the position of a general. He says “But you mustn’t forget your old
colleagues, Anton Antonovitch” (p.73)
Commissioner also comments that the mayor should not forget his friends once he
gains the position of a general. He says “But you mustn’t forget your old
colleagues, Anton Antonovitch” (p.73)
IGNORANCE
This society portrays a picture of ignorant people
– both the leaders and the common people. It is this ignorance that Hlestakov
takes advantage of and exploits their money and runs away insulting them in a
letter that they are very stupid. The mayor and other officials are ignorant.
They are asked for loans by the man they thought of a noble status but they
don’t realise. Ignorance is one of the hindrances and obstacles to development.
– both the leaders and the common people. It is this ignorance that Hlestakov
takes advantage of and exploits their money and runs away insulting them in a
letter that they are very stupid. The mayor and other officials are ignorant.
They are asked for loans by the man they thought of a noble status but they
don’t realise. Ignorance is one of the hindrances and obstacles to development.
BRAGGADOCIO (POMPOSITY)
This refers to empty and vain boasting. Many people
in this society are affected by braggadocio. The following are cases in point.
in this society are affected by braggadocio. The following are cases in point.
¨ The mayor
brags about his accomplishments while he has done nothing for his people. He
says “Ah! But I assure you, that’s nothing compared to the burdens of a
mayor, nerve-racking, so many things to be kept in mind, nothing should be
overlooked, cleanliness, good order…repair and maintenance.” (p.34)
brags about his accomplishments while he has done nothing for his people. He
says “Ah! But I assure you, that’s nothing compared to the burdens of a
mayor, nerve-racking, so many things to be kept in mind, nothing should be
overlooked, cleanliness, good order…repair and maintenance.” (p.34)
¨ The charity commissioner also brags about his accomplishments but it is
not true. He says that ever since he took control of the hospital, “the
patients have got better” and he says “it’s not so much a matter of
medicines, as of honesty, cleanliness and good order” (p.34)
not true. He says that ever since he took control of the hospital, “the
patients have got better” and he says “it’s not so much a matter of
medicines, as of honesty, cleanliness and good order” (p.34)
¨ Mr Hlestakov brags about being a powerful author who is widely known but
he has not written the books he claims to have written. He says “My house is
the best known in Petersburg. Everybody knows it, they point it out to
strangers” (p.38) which is not true.
he has not written the books he claims to have written. He says “My house is
the best known in Petersburg. Everybody knows it, they point it out to
strangers” (p.38) which is not true.
Other minor themes include;
¨ Betrayal.
The Judge betrays Dobchinsky by sleeping with his
wife and fathering children with her. The judge’s wife has also betrayed her
husband. The Charity commissioner reports “…but look at the children, Your
Excellency! No one of them is like Dobchinsky, but everyone, even the little
girl, is the very image of the judge” (p.50)
wife and fathering children with her. The judge’s wife has also betrayed her
husband. The Charity commissioner reports “…but look at the children, Your
Excellency! No one of them is like Dobchinsky, but everyone, even the little
girl, is the very image of the judge” (p.50)
¨ Extravagance
Mr Hlestakov is extravagant as he misuses the money
by playing card games and living luxury life beyond his means. He comes to the
point of selling his clothes to cover his expenses.
by playing card games and living luxury life beyond his means. He comes to the
point of selling his clothes to cover his expenses.
¨ Drunkenness.
Mr Hlestakov portrays the picture of heavy
drunkards. Just like in many societies there are heavy drunkards. However,
there is a fallacy that when somebody is under the influence of alcohol, he
speaks the truth. The mayor says “I wish I knew how much of that stuff he
told us was true! But why shouldn’t it be? When a man’s in drink it all comes
out. What’s in the heart comes out through the mouth” (p.42)
drunkards. Just like in many societies there are heavy drunkards. However,
there is a fallacy that when somebody is under the influence of alcohol, he
speaks the truth. The mayor says “I wish I knew how much of that stuff he
told us was true! But why shouldn’t it be? When a man’s in drink it all comes
out. What’s in the heart comes out through the mouth” (p.42)
MESSAGES
The play presents several messages that we may
learn from these people. Some of them are;
learn from these people. Some of them are;
¨ The leaders
should be responsible in executing their duties and responsibilities. They
should not wait until there is an inspector coming to inspect their
institutions.
should be responsible in executing their duties and responsibilities. They
should not wait until there is an inspector coming to inspect their
institutions.
¨ Ignorance is
an obstacle to development. We should fight against ignorance.
an obstacle to development. We should fight against ignorance.
¨ Betrayal in
marriage is not good. It may cause unnecessary conflicts and family separation.
marriage is not good. It may cause unnecessary conflicts and family separation.
¨ Leaders
should not use their power for private interests. They should use their
positions to solve the problems of the mass.
should not use their power for private interests. They should use their
positions to solve the problems of the mass.
¨ We should
fight against corruption, bad leadership, hypocrisy and nepotism. These are
obstacles to development.
fight against corruption, bad leadership, hypocrisy and nepotism. These are
obstacles to development.
¨ Marriage
should be based on mutual love between the two parties. Parents should not
force their children to marry people they don’t love.
should be based on mutual love between the two parties. Parents should not
force their children to marry people they don’t love.
RELEVANCE
Since 1917 the view had been put forward that the
play has lost its meaning and that there is no need of satirising a class that
has been swept away. However, in the play there are some patterns of behavior
that are still relevant to the world today.
play has lost its meaning and that there is no need of satirising a class that
has been swept away. However, in the play there are some patterns of behavior
that are still relevant to the world today.
¨ We still
have bad leadership, corruption, ignorance of the leaders and the common
people.
have bad leadership, corruption, ignorance of the leaders and the common
people.
¨ We also have
irresponsibility among the government leaders who become active only when there
is a superior visiting their institutions.
irresponsibility among the government leaders who become active only when there
is a superior visiting their institutions.
¨ Betrayal,
drunkenness, hypocrisy and the like are all common in our societies.
drunkenness, hypocrisy and the like are all common in our societies.