Nikolai Gogol

Date of Birth: March 31, 1809

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 4, 1852

Biography

Nikolai Gogol was a seminal figure in Russian literature, born on March 31, 1809, in Sorochyntsi, Poltava Governorate, Russian Empire (now Ukraine). He is renowned for his unique style of writing, which blends surrealism, satire, and the grotesque, effectively critiquing the Russian society of his time. Gogol’s early works, such as “Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka” (1831-1832), garnered him significant attention and established his reputation as a talented writer. His most famous works include the play “The Government Inspector” (1836) and the novel “Dead Souls” (1842). These works are celebrated for their sharp social commentary and their exploration of human nature and morality. Gogol’s writing often delves into themes of bureaucracy, greed, and the absurdity of the human condition. Despite his literary success, Gogol struggled with severe bouts of depression and religious fervor. In his later years, he became increasingly preoccupied with spiritual matters, which culminated in the burning of the second part of “Dead Souls” just days before his death. Gogol’s influence on Russian literature is profound, impacting future generations of writers such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Mikhail Bulgakov.

5 Interesting Facts about Nikolai Gogol

1. Gogol’s masterpiece, “Dead Souls,” was intended to be a trilogy, but he only completed the first part before his death.

2. He once worked as a professor of medieval history at the University of St. Petersburg.

3. Gogol was a close friend of the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, who provided him with the plot for “The Government Inspector.”

4. He suffered from a deep religious crisis towards the end of his life, leading him to burn many of his unpublished manuscripts.

5. Gogol’s work had a significant influence on the development of Russian realism and the later works of great Russian novelists.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nikolai Gogol

1. “The longer and more carefully we look at a funny story, the sadder it becomes.”

2. “What are you laughing at? You are laughing at yourselves.”

3. “It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry.”

4. “The experience of ages has taught mankind the necessity of checks and balances.”

5. “The wise man can change his mind; the stubborn one, never.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Nikolai Gogol did not accumulate significant wealth during his lifetime. Due to the historical context, exact figures are unavailable, but his highest net worth was modest, primarily consisting of his earnings from published works and teaching positions.