Gogol Symbolism

Gogol's The Overcoat: A Whisper of Change

At first glance of Nikolay Gogol's novel The Overcoat, one would only see a short story about a poor man wishing to survive in a cruel world. However, in looking further into the story, deep symbolism can be found. Gogol lived in
Russia during the rise of the communist party, and was a great dissident of communism. He believed the inevitable end of a communist government was total failure. He also criticized the other government of the world for failing to aid Russia in its quest for a better system. Gogol used his creative mind and his writing abilities to speak out against the evils of the Russian government.
He used symbolism to prove his points, and often risked exile by his own
government
In truth, the Russian government was against the free-thinking man, and so was against Gogol. Akaky himself is used as a symbol of the Russian people. The communists were against any sort of free-thinking, and respected any man who performed his duties without question. Akaky is described in the story as being a quiet, hard-working man. He keeps mostly to himself, having very little to do with the outside world. His entire life centers around his profession. Akaky's life changes only after he buys his new overcoat. The overcoats in the story symbolize different governments. Akaky's original "dressing jacket," is the
Russian government in power before communism took over. The government, like the overcoat, once served its purpose, but is now worn thin and needs a replacement. The original color of the coat cannot even be seen anymore. Each time a tear appears in the coat, it is patched and forgotten, but the coat eventually cannot be patched any longer. Akaky is extremely hesitant in buying a new coat, claiming it would be too expensive. This compares to the hesitation of the Russian population to switch to a new government. However, the coat
The nations believe that no cowardice must ever be shown to the communists. Gogol believed that, once the chains of communism had been broken by the Russian people, the democratic governments would be hesitant in helping the struggling country. In the story, Akaky seeks the help of the
Person of Consequence in retrieving his stolen overcoat. However, the Person of
Consequence shows no respect for Akaky, yelling at him and ignoring his pleas.
Thus the predictions of Gogol are portrayed through the actions of the Person of
Consequence.
After Akaky's death, his ghost haunts citizens on the streets of
Petersburg, robbing them of their overcoats. The hauntings continue until Akaky steals the overcoat of his enemy, the Person of Consequence. The ghost then disappears, with only rumors of further sightings of the ghost. Gogol uses
Akaky's ghost to predict the future of Russia. Once communism falls, the people will begin a search for a new government. The search will end with Russia evoloving into a democracy, though the democratic nations are the enemies of communist Russia during Gogol's life. The rumors of coninued sightings of the ghost perhaps suggest Gogol's believe that some will not be satisfied under a
democratic