In Nikolai Gogol’s short story, The Overcoat, evil within 19th century Russian society is criticized. Evil in this short story takes on many forms. The main character, Akaky Akakievich, is a rather unfortunate man who is continuously failed by the systems put in place to keep society running smoothly. The way that bureaucracy functions in society is oppressive and evil. Though Akaky is a hard working citizen, and he is never rewarded for his efforts. After Akaky struggles to purchase his new coat, bureaucracy fails him again as it is stolen and he is left helpless. Within the story, Gogol criticizes bureaucracy in several forms, from Akaky’s job and coworkers, to buying his coat, and the police. Although these bureaucratic systems have been created with the idea that they are fair and honest, they are corrupt and evil and are intended to keep the less fortunate from succeeding in life.
From Akaky’s …show more content…
While Akaky works long hours for the government as a copy clerk and even takes his work home, he is continuously tormented by his coworkers. Nothing is ever done for Akaky by those in power, and he must defend himself. Then, when Akaky wants to buy a new coat (essential to living in the cold of Russia’s winters) he must starve himself and cut corners because his society does not assist hm with this most basic need. Even with his government job, he cannot afford this coat. Finally, when his coat is stolen, the police do nothing for Akaky, and he is again, left to fend for himself. Gogol uses the story of the unfortunate Akaky Akakievich as a stand in for all the citizens that bureaucracy leaves behind. While these systems are said to be put in place to provide its citizens the best life, when bureaucracy fails and the evil within it surfaces, it is these citizens who are left to suffer the
From Akaky’s …show more content…
While Akaky works long hours for the government as a copy clerk and even takes his work home, he is continuously tormented by his coworkers. Nothing is ever done for Akaky by those in power, and he must defend himself. Then, when Akaky wants to buy a new coat (essential to living in the cold of Russia’s winters) he must starve himself and cut corners because his society does not assist hm with this most basic need. Even with his government job, he cannot afford this coat. Finally, when his coat is stolen, the police do nothing for Akaky, and he is again, left to fend for himself. Gogol uses the story of the unfortunate Akaky Akakievich as a stand in for all the citizens that bureaucracy leaves behind. While these systems are said to be put in place to provide its citizens the best life, when bureaucracy fails and the evil within it surfaces, it is these citizens who are left to suffer the