Chichikov's positive and negative character traits. The image of Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls”: description of appearance and character in quotes

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 in
quotes
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Kharitonenkov, Senichkina, Kuznetsova.

Chichikov's appearance

Personality and character of Chichikov in quotes

The poem Dead Souls is one of the most famous works of Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol. The key character in it is the adventurer Chichikov. The image of the main character, masterfully drawn by the author, often becomes the subject of discussion among both professional critics and ordinary readers. To understand what this character did to deserve such attention, you need to look at the plot of the work.

The work tells about a certain official by the surname Chichikov. This man really wanted to get rich and gain weight in society. He decided to achieve his goal by buying up the so-called dead souls, that is, serfs who are owned by the landowner according to papers, although in fact they are no longer alive. Both the seller and the buyer benefited from this. Chichikov thus acquired fictitious property, against which he could take out a bank loan, and the landowner was freed from the obligation to pay taxes for the dead peasant.

The work is compulsorily studied in school. In literature classes, students are often asked to write an essay on the topic: Dead Souls. Image of Chichikov. Of course, in order to write a competent work, you need to carefully read the source and form your own idea of ​​its main character. But if for some reason this is not possible, you can find detailed information about the character. This information will be useful when writing an essay, creating comparison tables for different characters, or preparing a presentation.

Text analysis allows you to reveal all the main features image Chichikov in the poem Dead Souls. A brief summary of the character’s actions and deeds, revealing his nature, begins with an acquaintance with Chichikov.

The author briefly described the hero’s appearance at the beginning of the work. Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov is a somewhat ordinary character who may meet in any historical era and at any geographical point. There is nothing remarkable in his portrait:

• his appearance is not beautiful, but not ugly either;
• physique is neither plump nor thin;
• he is no longer young, but not yet old.

Thus, in all respects, this venerable collegiate adviser maintains the “golden mean”.

Arrival of the character in “city N”

Chichikov begins your adventure from arrival in a city not named by the author. A smart man, who is also characterized by hypocrisy, he begins his activities by paying visits to the following officials:

• to the prosecutor;
• the governor and his family;
• to the vice-governor;
• the chief of police;
• the chairman of the chamber.

Of course, a subtle calculation was visible under such behavior of Pyotr Ivanovich. The hero’s intentions are well revealed by his own quote: “Don’t have money, have good people to work with.”

Gain the favor of those who had rank and influence in the city, it was very useful for the implementation of the plan. And he succeeded to perfection. Chichikov knew how to impress the people he needed. Belittling his dignity and demonstrating his insignificance in every possible way, he demonstrated impeccable speech manners, made skillful compliments to the rulers: he admired the success of their activities and called them such unjustifiably high titles as “your excellency.” He spoke little about himself, but from his story one could conclude that he had to go through an extremely difficult life path and experience a lot for his own honesty and justice.

They began to invite him to receptions, where he maintained a favorable first impression of himself with his ability to take part in a conversation on any topic. At the same time, he behaved very decently and showed extensive knowledge about the subject of conversation. His speech was meaningful, his voice was neither quiet nor loud.

At this moment one can already catch a hint that this integrity is only a mask under which lies true character and the hero's aspirations. Chichikov divides all people into fat and thin. At the same time, fat people have a strong position in this world, while thin people only serve as executors of other people’s orders. The main character himself, of course, belongs to the first category, since he intends to firmly take his place in life. The author himself speaks about this, and this information begins to reveal another, true face of the character.

Start of activity

Chichikov begins his scam with an offer to buy non-existent peasants from the landowner Manilov. The master, burdened by the need to pay taxes for his dead servants, gave them away for free, although he was surprised at the unusual deal. In this episode, the main character is revealed as an easily addicted person, for whom success can quickly turn his head.

Having decided that the activity he has invented is safe, he heads for a new deal. His path lies to a certain Sobakevich, but the long road forces the hero to make a stop at the landowner Korobochka. As a quick-witted person, he wastes no time there either, acquiring almost two dozen more desired dead souls.

Only after escaping from Korobochka does he visit Nozdryov. The main feature of this person was the desire to ruin the lives of everyone around him. But Chichikov did not immediately understand this and carelessly decided to try his luck in a deal with this landowner. Nozdryov led the swindler by the nose for a long time. He agreed to sell souls only together with real goods, for example, a horse, or offered to win them at dominoes, but in the end Pyotr Ivanovich was left with nothing. This meeting showed that the hero of the poem is a frivolous person, unable to calculate his own actions.

Chichikov finally got to Sobakevich and outlined his proposal to him. However, the landowner turned out to be no less cunning than the buyer. His benefits he didn't want to miss out. Realizing that Pyotr Ivanovich’s actions were not entirely legal, he skillfully played on this, driving up the price of non-existent peasants. This made Chichikov very tired, but he showed determination. Ultimately, the seller and buyer reached a compromise and the deal was completed.

While Sobakevich was bargaining, he said a few words about a certain Plyushkin, and the hero went to visit this landowner. The master's household did not evoke positive emotions among the newcomer. Everything there was in disrepair, and the owner himself had a dirty, unkempt appearance. The landowner was not poor, but turned out to be a real miser. He kept all the money and things of any value hidden in chests. The painful stinginess of this character, whose name became a household name, helped Chichikov conclude a successful deal. Plyushkin was wary of this sale, but he was pleased with the opportunity to get rid of the need to pay taxes on dead peasants.

At first glance, Plyushkin did not play a big role in the plot of the work, but if you compare this character with the main character, there is something in common between them. Being a landowner and a nobleman, they were supposed to be a support for the state and an example to follow, while in reality both turned out to be useless to society as people trying to line their own pockets.

Trying to leave the city

Be that as it may, but after the deal with Plyushkin, Chichikov has reached his goal and no longer saw the need to stay in the city. In an effort to leave him as quickly as possible, he went to court to certify the authenticity of the documents. But this procedure required time, which he happily spent at receptions and surrounded by ladies interested in him.

However, the triumph turned into failure. Nozdryov hastened to expose Chichikov’s scam. This message caused a stir in the city. The guest who was accepted everywhere suddenly became unwanted.

Throughout the entire story, the reader, although he understands the dubious good intentions of the protagonist’s actions, does not yet know his full story, according to which a final opinion about Chichikov could be formed. The author talks about the origin and upbringing of the hero, as well as the events preceding his arrival in “city N,” in chapter 11.

The hero grew up in a poor family. Although they belonged to a high class of nobles, they had very few serfs at their disposal. Pavel Ivanovich's childhood was overshadowed by the lack of friends and acquaintances. When the child grew up a little, his father sent him to school. Parting with his son did not upset Ivan, but at parting he gave Pavel one instruction. The instruction spoke of the need to learn and gain the favor of those above him in position. The head of the family called money the most valuable and reliable thing that should be protected.

Chichikov followed this advice all his life. He did not have good academic abilities, but he quickly understood how to earn the love of his teachers. Quiet and meek behavior allowed him to receive a good certificate, but after graduating from college he showed his unsightly quality. His face opened up when one of the mentors who loved him found himself in an extremely difficult financial situation. For the teacher, who was almost dying of hunger, money was collected by hooligan classmates, while the diligent Chichikov stingily allocated an insignificant amount.

Meanwhile, the protagonist's father died, leaving behind a pitiful inheritance. Chichikov, who is not stingy by nature, is forced to starve and look for ways to earn money. He hires out for service and tries to work honestly, but soon realizes that such work will not bring him the desired wealth with a luxurious house, a carriage with a coachman and expensive entertainment.

Wanting to get a promotion, he wins the favor of his boss by marrying his daughter. But as soon as the goal was achieved, he no longer needed the family. While Chichikov was advancing in his career, there was a change in management. Despite all his efforts, the hero could not find a common language with the new leader and was forced to look for other ways to obtain material wealth.

Luck to become a customs official smiled on the hero in the next city. But he decided to improve his financial situation with bribes, for which he soon appeared in court. Always striving to please those in power, Chichikov had some connections that allowed him to avoid punishment for a crime.

His nature was such that he turned this discrediting episode of his life into a story about how he innocently suffered in the service.

Unfortunately, one can only judge such an interesting character as Chichikov by the first volume. The second part of the work was burned by the author himself, and he never began the third. Based on the surviving sketches and drafts, it is known that the hero tried to continue his fraudulent activities. It is unknown how the poem would have ended, but the talentedly created image is still relevant. After all, to this day on the path of life you can meet a person like Chichikov.

Description of the hero by critics

Critics, for the most part deservedly those who appreciated the poem noted this acumen and the fraudulent nature of the character. Experts made the following judgments about the hero:

1. V. G. Belinsky called him a real hero of the modern era, who sought to acquire wealth, without which it was impossible to achieve success in the emerging capitalist society. People like him bought shares or collected donations for charity, but they were all united by this desire.
2. K. S. Aksakov ignored the moral qualities of the hero, only noted his cheating. For this critic, the main thing was that Chichikov was a truly Russian person.
3. A.I. Herzen characterized the hero as the only active person, whose efforts in the end were still worth little, since they were limited to fraud.
4. V. G. Marantsman saw in the hero himself a “dead soul”, full of negative qualities and devoid of morality.
5. P. L. Weil and A. A. Genis saw in Chichikov a “little man,” that is, a simple-minded scoundrel whose activities were neither smart nor large-scale.

The final image of Chichikov is ambiguous. This clearly intelligent person sets goals to arrange his own life, but every time he chooses the wrong means to achieve this. His vigorous activity and determination could have brought him prosperity long ago, but the thirst for wealth and luxury, unavailable to him in childhood, pushes him to commit crimes and fraud.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Option #1

Chichikov is the main character of the poem by N.V. Gogol "Dead Souls". From childhood, he listened to his father and showed all the baseness of his soul. He tried in every possible way to earn a pretty penny, which he put in a special bag. When the bag was full, he sewed it up and began filling a new one. Already, as a child, he used any means to earn money.

When Chichikov grew up, he decided to become an official, realizing that this position would open up new prospects for him. He committed one scam after another, and when he was exposed, he skillfully covered his tracks and went into hiding. All his endeavors failed, but he did not lose heart and took on the next “business”. This suggests that a person has neither conscience nor honor.

There was nothing special or specific about his appearance. His appearance was somehow blurry. Gogol says about Chichikov that he was neither handsome nor ugly, neither old nor young, neither fat nor thin. But he was an excellent psychologist, and skillfully noticed the strengths and weaknesses of a person. He knew how to please everyone and adapted to each interlocutor. That's why everyone trusted him.

Having learned about Chichikov's financial condition, officials and their wives immediately began to respect the hero and bow to him. They believed that such a person should be friends and maintain contact. Chichikov is happy to try, he has achieved everyone’s favor with him. Like the devil, he changes his appearance and gains confidence. Chichikov is a vile and immoral person, before whom everyone grovels. And society itself is to blame for the appearance of such people.

Option No. 2

A truly brilliant work by the great Russian writer Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol, despite the fact that more than one hundred and seventy years have passed, to this day remains relevant in some of the issues raised in society. This work bears the flashy title “Dead Souls,” which tells how human experiences, feelings and qualities of the people gradually die. The main character of the work is Chichikov Pavel Ivanovich, a nobleman who buys dead souls in various estates of the country. Chichikov is presented to us by the author as a completely neutral character. An ordinary average resident of the country, without any distinctive features in appearance - “not handsome, but not bad-looking, neither too fat nor too thin; one cannot say that he is old, but not that he is too young,” and so it is in character. He seems to be a collective image of other characters, reflecting the qualities of each of them, but not so noticeably.

Chichikov does not strive to show his essence, character, he easily adapts to everyone, finds a common language with everyone, negotiates, always showing himself from his advantage. In a conversation with each of the landowners, one can trace such traits as sycophancy and sneakiness. Pavel Ivanovich can easily afford to carry out such an unclean business - buying up dead souls. And despite some positive traits: quick wit, cunning, determination and, of course, a remarkable mind, since he was able to come up with something like this, one cannot forget about the traits of a person who has lost his humanity and put only making money in the first place.

It is impossible to understand what this person is thinking about, to read his thoughts, to assess his state of mind. Or maybe the soul is simply “dead”, like that of the landowners described? Perhaps there is still something humane in him. It was not for nothing that sometimes one could notice a thoughtful look, which, perhaps, even expressed some puzzlement about one’s business and remorse. In any case, Chichikov is not a positive character in any sense. It only conveys the idea of ​​how wealth often kills the soul in people.

The image of Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov is perhaps the most successful of Gogol's caricatures. The life story of only this character, who plays the main role in the poem “Dead Souls,” is revealed by the author in great detail. The novelty of the character he took on forced the writer to engage in such an artistic and comprehensive study.

Pavel Ivanovich combines many of the features of the landowners of that time. The hero would not be complete without a description in the eleventh chapter of the conditions in which his formation took place.

As an inheritance from an impoverished nobleman, Pavel Ivanovich received some copper and instructions to study well and please everyone, and to save and save money. He took the absence of lofty words about debt in the will literally. And life itself soon confirmed that these concepts did not lead to anything good (in his understanding). At school, Pavlushi’s knowledge, behavior, and respectfulness evoked only approval and praise from the teachers, who set the boy as an example to other students. Having entered the government chamber after studying, he continues to please his boss and show attention to his daughter. The same behavior is characteristic of him in any situation. Chichikov quickly realized: in order to please a person, you need to talk to him about his interests, about topics close to him. This behavior helps him remain his own person in any society. Gradually, Pavel Ivanovich drowns out his still living soul, tries not to hear the quiet voice of conscience, builds his happiness on the misfortune of others. And all this for their own benefit. The tools that Chichikov skillfully and actively uses are fraud and deception, theft from the treasury, insult, and bribery. Constant accumulation and acquisition become the meaning of life for the main character. And at the same time, Chichikov needs money not for its own sake. They serve as a means to achieve a good, prosperous life for his family. The image of Chichikov differs sharply from other characters in his determination and strength of character. He achieves his goal by any means, showing extraordinary resourcefulness, resourcefulness, and perseverance.

Chichikov in the poem “Dead Souls” is not like everyone else in his activity, activity, and enterprise. Manilov’s head in the clouds and Korobochka’s naivety are not characteristic of him. He cannot be compared with the miser Plyushkin, but Nozdryov’s careless wastefulness is also not for him. The entrepreneurial spirit of this hero is far from the businesslike nature of Sobakevich. All these qualities indicate the clear superiority of Pavel Ivanovich over other characters in the poem.

The image of Chichikov is incredibly multifaceted. People like him are very difficult to immediately unravel, to understand what they really are. Chichikov managed to please most residents of the city as soon as he appeared in it. He managed to present himself as a secular, developed and decent person. During the conversation, he finds an individual key to everyone in whom he is interested. His ostentatious goodwill is only a means to profitably use the high position of the right people. It costs nothing for Chichikov to reincarnate, change his behavior and at the same time not forget about his own goals. His ability to adapt to everyone is amazing. When Pavel Ivanovich bargains with Manilov, he shows delicacy, sensitivity and courtesy. But with Korobochka, on the contrary, he behaves assertively, rudely, and impatiently. He understands that Plyushkin is very easy to persuade; he must speak to Sobakevich in a businesslike manner. The energy of the main character is tireless, but it is aimed at low actions.

The image of Chichikov is an example of a trader and entrepreneur, a new type of person, whom Gogol defined as a vile, vile, “dead soul.”