Gogol is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant Russian writers. His genius lies not only in the ability to reflect the atmosphere of his time and create colorful images of characters, but, above all, in the fact that he managed to look into the distant future. The central work of the writer's creativity - the poem "Dead Souls" - has become one of the most relevant works in the 21st century.
Chichikov in Gogol's poem "Dead Souls"
In Gogol's "Dead Souls" (just like, for example, in "The Inspector General" or "Marriage") there are no positive characters. However, the main character of the work, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, involuntarily evokes sympathy from the reader. At first, not only the character, but even the appearance of Pavel Ivanovich remains a mystery to the reader. Gogol describes him as either fat or thin, not handsome, but not bad-looking either. However, Chichikov's indomitable energy cannot but draw attention to him.
True, it soon becomes clear that Pavel Ivanovich's energy is aimed at fraud. Its goal is to buy for a pittance or get the dead souls of serfs, who are still alive before the census. In the future, Chichikov plans to put them in the treasury and receive a lot of money as a result of the transaction.
Chichikov and the 21st century
In the time of Gogol, Chichikov was undoubtedly branded as an unequivocally negative character, walking the path of vice and crime. However, it is becoming clear to the people of the 21st century that Pavel Ivanovich is a man ahead of his time. To understand how modern Chichikov is today, it is enough to recall the numerous financial pyramids, read all kinds of ads offering inexperienced beginners to acquire a certain technique with which they will immediately begin to earn several thousand a day.
In fact, all this is the same trade in emptiness, which Chichikov is so actively engaged in. Real trade is too troublesome. However, selling "emptiness" is not so easy either. At a minimum, you need to give it emotional content, and this requires knowledge of human psychology.
Pavel Ivanovich shows himself to be an excellent psychologist. He brilliantly manages to find an approach to each of the greedy and rather cunning landowners, forcing them to act according to his scenario. At the same time, vaguely realizing that the deal he is proposing is illegal and, possibly, is of a criminal nature, the landlords do not betray Chichikov, but go to meet him in everything. Gogol makes it clear to the reader that the future belongs to Chichikov. Scammers will not end up in Russia as long as there are those who support their activities, responding with tacit consent to their dubious undertakings.
People of the 21st century see Chichikov as either a completely harmless swindler, or even a talented entrepreneur. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more profitable to be Chichikov these days.
