The Carriage

In an essay on Gogol’s short story “The Overcoat,” 20th-century critic Vladimir Nabokov writes: “The gaps and black holes in the texture of Gogol’s style imply flaws in the texture of life itself” (Lectures 57). Locate some potential “gaps” or “black holes” in the style of “The Carriage” and examine the “flaws” they might be implying.

Examine Chertokutsky’s relationship with his wife. What do their interactions reveal about the story’s vision of gender dynamics and social roles?

The story provides almost no information about Chertokutsky’s resignation from his commission. How does the information the text does provide shape your understanding of Chertokutsky as a character?