Gogol's Russia

Nikolai Gogol
(1809-1852)

Europe: 18th Century

Europe: 19th Century

Moscow closer to NYC than farthest corners of empire

European Class Structure

• Clear social classes:
• King | Emperor | Czar
• Clergy | Christian
• Nobility
• Merchants and Peasants

Class System

• didn't work
• Strictly enforced
• Similar to most European states

Clergy

• Christian leaders
• Spec.: Russian Orthodox
• Bishops, Deacons, Priests

Nobility

• Political rulers
• wealthiest and held power
• Czar (emperor) + family
• Prince + princess
• Counts + Barons

Industrial Revolution
saw the creation of
a "middle class"

Industrial Revolution

• Rise in the use of machines to complete labor
• created new jobs for this middle class
• people required education to secure job
• young boys placed into schools

Middle Class

• Commoners with no power
• Upper Middle: Bourgeoisie
• Some wealth; ate regularly
• educated

Peasants

• lowest and poorest
• serfs until 1861
• chimney sweeps
• prostitutes
• beggars

Clothing:
symbol of class
Peasants: rags
Others: silk, lace, etc.

Education:
based on class
valued science + math
reserved for males

Social Life

• Upper classes
• parties and dinners
• Maly + Bolshoi Theatres
• Poetry readings, etc.

obsessed with class

suspension of disbelief

obsessed with class