The “Examiner” by N. V. Gogol is a play in which there is no dramatic conflict as such. For the author, comedy is a genre, first of all, satirical, moral descriptive.
Love affairs are pushed into the background. Therefore, the play is considered to be a socio-political comedy.
N.V. Gogol "The Examiner": a brief summary of the 1st action
Officials gathered in the room of the mayor. He reports the imminent arrival of the auditor. Everyone is terrified. The mayor advises officials to create at least a semblance of order in those institutions that are in their department. He asked the postmaster to open and read any incoming letter. He easily agrees, because he had done so before. Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky spread the rumor that I. A. Khlestakov, who had been living in a hotel for a week, but still had not paid for the stay, is the auditor. The mayor decides to visit the visitor. But before that, he gives the order to sweep away all the streets, remove the rotten fence, set up neighborhood blocks throughout the city and tell the auditor that the church burned down, but was not stolen. The wife and daughter of the city official cannot wait to find out everything about the newcomers among the first.
Summary: “Examiner” Gogol N.V., 2nd action
On the bed of Khlestakov lies his servant Osip and reflects on the fact that the master is living beyond his means, playing cards, that he had a better life in St. Petersburg. He refuses to ask for lunch, as they are already in debt. The restaurant servant brings Khlestakov some food on credit. Gorodnichy and Dobchinsky are at the hotel. Khlestakov apologizes for non-payment, says that he is going to the village to his father, asking for money on loan.
The mayor considers all these words as a cover, gives Khlestakov a big bribe, promises to restore order in his city and invites him to stay at his place. Bobchinsky had been eavesdropping all this time behind the door. The mayor with Khlestakov sent to inspect various institutions.
Summary: “Examiner” Gogol N.V., 3rd action
The mayor's wife receives a note from Dobchinsky and orders the reception of the guest. Ladies are choosing toilets. Osip brings the master to the house. Khlestakov visits the hospital at this time. Away, he is drawn in front of the mayor's wife and lies to the point that he controls the department, and happens in the palace every day. Officials who heard this “speech” conclude that their affairs are very bad. The mayor’s wife and daughter talk about the merits of the “examiner”. Even Osip receives a bribe. And with the words that his master loves order, he only adds fuel to the fire. Quarters are set on the porch, which are ordered not to let any petitioners go to Khlestakov.
Summary: “Examiner” Gogol N.V., 4th action
Officials gathered in the room of the mayor. They lined up and in turn go to Khlestakov to introduce themselves and give a bribe. From Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky he himself directly demands money. Khlestakov guesses that he was mistaken for something, and in a letter to his friend describes this comic incident. Osip advises the master to flee from this city as soon as possible. To Khlestakov come petitioners (non-commissioned officer widow and merchants). They give him bribes and cry for help. Khlestakov is explained with the daughter of the mayor. At this time, her mother enters the room. Then he says that he is actually in love with her, but since she is already married, he is forced to ask for her daughter’s hands. Parents give blessings on marriage. Khlestakov still takes some money from the mayor's “loan” and leaves to discuss his future wedding with his father.
Summary: “Examiner” Gogol N.V., 5th action
The wife and daughter of the city man dream of life in St. Petersburg. He himself announces the engagement to everyone. To him are officials, merchants with congratulations, asking them not to forget about them when they rise. And suddenly the postmaster arrives and reads aloud the very letter that Khlestakov sent to a friend. The mayor is killed by such news on the spot. Everyone begins to wonder why they got the idea that Khlestakov is an auditor, and they recall that Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky dismissed such a rumor.
Summary: N. Gogol "The Examiner", the last action
The gendarme is in the house of the mayor and reports on the imminent arrival of the real auditor. The play ends with a silent scene.