“ The longer and more carefully we look at a funny story, the sadder it becomes. “
Quotes by Nikolai V. Gogol
Introducing Nikolai V. Gogol
Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol, born on March 31, 1809, in Sorochintsy, Ukraine, was a pivotal figure in Russian literature, often credited with ushering in the era of realism. Although of Ukrainian descent, Gogol wrote in Russian, significantly influencing the literary landscape with works like "Dead Souls," "The Overcoat," and "The Nose." His stories are renowned for their biting satire, humor, and portrayal of Russian society, particularly its bureaucracy and provincial life. Gogol's early works drew heavily from Ukrainian folklore, while his later writings offered sharp critiques of the Russian Empire's corruption. Despite his success, Gogol struggled with his identity, caught between his Ukrainian roots and his literary career in Russian. His life ended tragically in 1852, after a period of intense spiritual crisis where he burned much of his unpublished work, believing it was morally or religiously flawed. His legacy, however, continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of realism, surrealism, and the grotesque.
