An outstanding satirist in the history of Russian literature is Nikolai Gogol. His books are familiar to everyone. Films and performances are made based on his works. The work of this writer is very diverse. It contains both romantic novels and works of realistic prose.
Biography
Nikolay Gogol was born in Ukraine in the family of a regimental clerk. The talent of a satirist appeared in him early. Gogol showed an indefatigable thirst for knowledge already in childhood. Books in his life played a big role. In the Nezhinsky school, where he received his education, he was not given sufficient knowledge. And so he wrote out additional literary magazines and almanacs.
Back in his school years, he began to compose witty epigrams. The subject of ridicule of the future writer was the teacher. But the lyceum student did not attach much importance to such creative research. After completing the course, he dreamed of leaving for St. Petersburg, believing that he could get a public service there.
Office service
The dream came true, and the graduate of the lyceum left his native land. However, in St. Petersburg he was able to get only a modest place in the office. In parallel to this work, he created small literary works. But they were bad, and he bought up almost all copies of the first poem, which was called Hans Küchelgarten, in a bookshop and burned it with his own hands.
Longing for a small homeland
Soon, failures in creativity and material difficulties plunged Gogol into gloom. The northern capital began to cause longing in his soul. And more and more often, an employee of the small office recalled the lovely Ukrainian landscapes. Not everyone knows which book brought Gogol fame. But there is no student in our country who would not know the work “Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka”. The creation of this book was inspired by longing for a small homeland. And it was this literary work that brought fame to Gogol and made it possible to gain recognition from fellow writers. Gogol was awarded the praise of Pushkin himself. The books of the great poet and writer in his youth had a decisive influence on him. And therefore, the opinion of the leading luminaries of literature was especially valuable for the young author.
Petersburg Stories and other works
Since then, Gogol has been a member of literary circles. He closely communicated with Pushkin and Zhukovsky, which could not but affect his work. From now on, writing became for him the meaning of life. He began to take this matter very seriously. And the result was not long in coming.
During this period, the most famous books of Gogol were created. A list of them suggests that the writer worked in an extremely enhanced mode and did not give particular preference to a particular genre. His works resonated in the world of literature. Belinsky wrote about the talent of a young prose writer, who is distinguished by his amazing ability to recognize unique abilities at an early stage. The realistic direction laid down by Pushkin developed at a decent level, as evidenced by Gogol's books. Their list includes the following works:
- "Portrait".
- "Diary of a Madman".
- "Nose".
- "Nevsky Prospect".
- "Taras Bulba".
Each of them is unique in its own way. In a sense, Nikolai Gogol became an innovator. His books were distinguished by the fact that for the first time in the history of Russian literature they touched on the topic of psychology of the masses. This was done superficially, but before that, the fate of thousands of ordinary people was depicted in fiction only in passing.
But no matter how strong and unique the talent of the creator of “The Overcoat” was, he made a special contribution to the literature thanks to the writing of “The Examiner” and “Dead Souls”.
Satire
Early works brought Gogol success. However, the writer was not satisfied with this. Gogol did not want to remain just a contemplator of life. The realization that the mission of the writer was extremely great was growing stronger in his soul. The artist is able to convey to his readers his vision of modern reality, thereby influencing the consciousness of the masses. For the good of Russia and its people, Gogol now created. His books testify to this good aspiration. The poem Dead Souls has become the greatest work in literature. However, after the first volume was published, the writer was severely attacked by adherents of conservative views.
The difficult situation that has developed in the life and work of the writer has led to the fact that he failed to complete the poem. The second volume, which was written shortly before his death, the writer burned.