The overcoat

"The Overcoat" which is generally acknowledged as the finest of Gogol's memorable Saint Petersburg stories, is a tale of the absurd and misplaced obsessions. From the Father of the Golden Age of Russian Literature, Nicolai Gogol's  The Overcoat  is one of the greatest short stories of all time. This satire on Russia's 19th century bureaucracy is amusing, pointed and has influenced many renowned Russian writers. Civil servant, Akakiy Akakievitch, is underpaid and underappreciated. The harsh winter months are fast approaching and Akakievitch knows all too well that his overcoat won't survive another repair. He scrimps and saves to the best of his ability until he finally has the funds to purchase a new coat. With the arrival of the garment, we see Akakievitch emerging from his shell. He is gradually more outgoing and is given a new lease of life. But in the cruel world of 19th century Russia, this newfound happiness cannot last long. When Akakievitch is assaulted on his way home, the two thugs steal his new overcoat. His coworkers, the police and even a government official refuse to assist Akakievitch. As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, Akakievitch falls deathly ill...