The image of the author in the poem "Dead Souls". Gogol is a lyrical hero and narrator

In the creative work of N.V. Gogol central work - the poem "Dead Souls". It was published in 1842. In this article, the image of the author in the poem "Dead Souls" will be considered. Gogol plays a special role in it. Nikolai Vasilyevich is not a passive narrator in Dead Souls, but a wise interlocutor. He leads a leisurely conversation with his reader.

Preface to the 2nd edition of "Dead Souls"

The author in the preface to the second edition of the work asks the reader to help him. Will help to understand the image of the author in the poem "Dead Souls" a short summary of this foreword. In it, he says that he can not know everything that is happening on Russian soil, therefore, much is described in this book incorrectly. Nikolai Vasilyevich admits that from his haste, immaturity and oversight, there have been many mistakes and mistakes, therefore on every page of the work there is something to correct. And Gogol asked the reader to do this - to correct it.

Further, Nikolai Vasilievich gives us specific recommendations on what to do in order to properly help him. In particular, after reading a few pages of this poem, remember and write down on your own personal memories of life. After the sheet of paper is filled with these records, you need to send it to the author. The preface shows how important it was for Gogol to know how the reader perceives his poem.

Why is this work a poem?

The very genre definition of "poem" is associated with the meaning, which has the image of the author in the poem "Dead Souls". This name for his creation was invented by N.V. Gogol. As you know, the poem is a lyrical genre. And for such kinds of works it is important not so much a plot as such, as author's moods, experiences.

The role in the poem of lyrical digressions

As the main storyline develops, more lyrical digressions appear in the poem, through which the author's image is revealed in the poem Dead Souls. In them, Nikolai Vasilievich communicates directly with his reader. He tells him that he is worried and worried at the moment. The reader connects to the process of creativity, acting simultaneously as a critic of the work. A public phenomenon (rather than purely literary) is the fact of the appearance of this poem.

The influence of philosophers-educators

Analyzing the image of the author in the poem "Dead Souls" for lyrical digressions, we note that Gogol's worldview is closely related to the views of various philosophers-educators. The main idea of these thinkers was that by nature man is a harmonious being. And it is precisely unfair social laws that are to blame for his vices. They force a person's personality to adapt to life and violate consciously the norms of morality inherent in it.

Patriotic pathos filled the lyrical digressions of Gogol. Complementing the image of the author in the poem "Dead Souls", we note that, depicting the descended, wicked people, Nikolai Vasilyevich at the same time cherishes his dream of a beautiful person. He sees the disorder and devastation on his native land, but he does not cease to believe in the bright future of Russia. Where, how not here, in this vast country is destined to be born of an infinite thought?

Memories from the life of the author in the work

It was important for Nikolai Vasilyevich to include in his work memories of his own life. For example, in chapter 6 he reflects on his youth, says that he liked to drive up to an unfamiliar place. The childish gaze of the young Gogol discovered a lot of curiosity. This view has cooled over the years, the freshness of the perception of life has lost.

The goal pursued by Gogol

The author in chapter 11 argues with readers who do not want to talk about ruin and poverty, about the foolish and despicable in life. He believes that the reluctance to hear the bitter truth about his native country gives rise to false patriotism in people. After all, the resolution of the problem will never lead to silence.

The author of the poem of interest is the creator who was chosen to reflect on life, about the most significant in it - the further fate of Russia. Nikolai Vasilyevich felt that only he can carry out this great mission. To implement his plan, he put all his efforts.

Irony of Gogol

The author of the poem constantly communicates with the reader. In this regard, the irony that Gogol hides in an attempt to please is often seen. For example, he appeals to the readers and says that Chichikov will not like the ladies, since they require that the hero of the work be "decisive perfection". Nikolai Vasilyevich seeks to anticipate the attitude to Chichikov of the reader, to present a possible reaction to him.

Gogol as a lyrical hero and narrator

In this lyric-epic work the author appears as a lyrical hero and as a narrator simultaneously. Gogol reflects on the selection of writers, on their two types, on the choice of the hero and on the language of the work, shares creative ideas. All this is characteristic of the lyric hero. Some of Gogol's statements serve to link individual episodes of "Dead Souls." They play an important composition role in the poem. Of course, Gogol acts here as a narrator.

The ratio of the epic and lyrical beginnings of the work is a means by which Nikolai Vasilyevich expresses the author's position. Related to the epic part of the generalized digressions reveal the attitude of Nikolai Vasilyevich to his heroes. Sometimes it is difficult to separate Chichikov's thoughts from the lyrical digressions in the poem. In the lyrical part, the author appears as a romantic poet, and in the epic - as an innovative realist.

So, we described the image of the author in the poem "Dead Souls" briefly. A more detailed analysis of this can be done if we take this article as a basis. After reading the work and noting in it the places in which Gogol's voice sounds, you can supplement the author's image in the poem "Dead Souls". With quotations, the analysis will become more thorough and detailed.