The Inspector-General

By Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol

Book Overview

The Inspector General by Nikolai Gogol is a brilliant satirical play that delivers a scathing critique of political corruption, incompetence, and human folly. First performed in 1836, this classic of Russian literature uses humor and absurdity to expose the moral decay at the heart of bureaucratic systems. The story unfolds in a small provincial Russian town, where panic spreads among government officials upon hearing that an incognito inspector from St. Petersburg is coming to evaluate their work. The mayor and his entourage--each steeped in bribery, mismanagement, and self-interest--mistakenly identify a penniless and insignificant civil servant named Khlestakov as the feared inspector. Seizing the opportunity, Khlestakov plays along, enjoying the sudden power, attention, and gifts showered upon him by the groveling officials. As the deception deepens, the play turns into a farcical whirlwind of lies, hypocrisy, and social posturing. Through its exaggerated characters and absurd situations, Gogol exposes the lengths people will go to preserve their status and conceal their wrongdoing. The eventual revelation of Khlestakov's true identity--and the sudden arrival of the real inspector--delivers a final ironic twist that leaves the corrupt officials stunned and speechless. The Inspector General is more than just a comedy; it is a timeless reflection on the dangers of unchecked authority, the ease of deception, and the self-delusions that plague individuals and institutions alike. With its sharp wit and universal themes, the play remains a powerful and relevant piece of political and social commentary.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F5P1X33P
• ISBN13: 9798319480774
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 125 Pages
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 5.5"