The Mantle by Nikolai Gogol (1835)
The story revolves around a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate after years abroad and becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with the local peasants and nobility. He forms a close bond with a peasant, but their friendship is complicated by the class differences between them. The young nobleman also becomes involved with a beautiful woman from a lower social class, which further complicates his relationships with both the peasant and his own family. As the story unfolds, the young nobleman's actions have unintended consequences that lead to tragic outcomes for those around him.
By Nikolai Gogol · First published 1835 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Satire, Tragedy · 12,698 words
First lines
In a certain Russian ministerial department --
But it is perhaps better that I do not mention which department it was. There are in the whole of Russia no persons more sensitive than government officials. Each of them believes if he is annoyed in any way, that the whole official class is insulted in his person.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mantle is listed on Textopian as a novel by Nikolai Gogol, dated 1835 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Nikolai Gogol
- Date: 1835 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Satire, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Fantasy
- Length: 12,698 words
- Structure: 1 section, 173 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mantle by Nikolai Gogol
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Mantle?
- How does this novel by Nikolai Gogol fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of identity, social status, and the human condition through the life of a low-ranking official.
- Satire — It critiques the bureaucratic system and the indifference of society towards the marginalized.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's life is marked by suffering and ultimately leads to his demise, highlighting the tragic aspects of his existence.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on the social hierarchies and the treatment of individuals within the bureaucratic framework.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Russian Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Comedy · Farce · Absurdism · Critique of Society · Morality Play · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Psychological Insight