This story by Nikolai Gogol is a gushing reminiscence of rural life in 1820s Ukraine. An aging couple still profoundly in love enjoy tranquillity and the simple pleasures of life (their garden, food and entertaining visitors) on an idyllic farm, oblivious of the daily theft and pilfering by their steward and servants. The wife has a premonition of her impending death and slowly wastes away. This leads to her husband’s death from loneliness and despair, followed by the neglect and ruin of their lands. Themes include nostalgia, love, isolation, superstition, loss, heartbreak, corruption, the transient nature of life and happiness.

This story by Nikolai Gogol, described by Vladimir Nabokov as the greatest Russian short story ever written, uses pathos and dry humor to get its messages across. The protagonist represents Russia’s working class, eking out a living in a tedious, low-level job. Things improve dramatically when a windfall allows him to buy a new overcoat. Sadly, after a mugger steals the coat, shortcomings in the justice system and failing health contribute to his death. Perhaps metaphorically, his ghost rises up and terrorizes the city in retribution. Themes: alienation, (lack of) connection and compassion, bureaucracy, materialism, social class, the supernatural, revenge.