Overcoat

Overcoat For many centuries, social injustice has occurred in society such as inequality between social classes and corrupt government which has affected many people. [Preface] In the text “The Overcoat” by Nikolai Gogol deals with the theme of social realism in 19th century East-European literature. [Main idea] The author wants to portray the realistic social, political and personal issues that relate to the struggles of class and the outcomes of the society’s social structure. [Thesis] The author explores corruption in society, status and class anxiety, and government and bureaucratic incompetence. The author refers to symbolism and metaphor. First of all, there was a lot of inequality in the society of Akaky because people were judged according to their appearances and material belongings. [Subtopic] Gogol describes Akaky’s appearance which is used as a metaphor of his struggle fitting with the higher class people in the society. Furthermore, we see that he lived in a corrupted society where people were judged from the outside and not the inside. Therefore, Akaky was treated harshly everyday by his materialistic co-workers and was not respected. [Explanation subtopic] Gogol described Akaky as a “short person” who was “slightly bald in front” and he was not a very “remarkable clerk” (Gogol 394). Because Akaky was not attractive physically, there was not really a place for him among the higher class people. Also, we see that Akaky was not respected as “the caretakers not only did not rise from their place when he passed but did not even look at him” (396 Gogol). We suddenly realise how Akaky was perceived by others. He was not an important person. It’s like as if he never existed. Although, when he bought a new coat, “everyone ran to look Akaky’s new coat. They began to congratulate him” (409 Gogol). We also see that his overcoat increased his status in society. He gained a lot of respect. Moreover, he got invited to a party.