Dead Souls · Chapter
Chapter III explained
Chichikov attempts to purchase dead souls from the stubborn and superstitious widow Korobotchka.
What happens
Chichikov attempts to purchase dead souls from the stubborn and superstitious widow Korobotchka. Despite his persistent persuasion and offers of fifteen roubles per soul, she hesitates out of confusion and fear of being cheated. After a long and frustrating negotiation, she finally agrees, and Chichikov compiles a list of her deceased serfs before departing.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Materialism
Chichikov's relentless pursuit of dead souls for profit and Korobotchka's haggling over price highlight the theme of greed.
Appearance vs. Reality
The dead souls are treated as living property on paper, and Chichikov's polite demeanor masks his manipulative intent.
Characters to notice
- Chichikov
Persuades Korobotchka to sell dead souls, grows frustrated with her obstinacy, and finally secures the deal.
- Korobotchka
The superstitious and stubborn widow who is confused by the proposal but eventually sells her dead souls.
- Fetinia
Sent by Korobotchka to prepare more pancakes and ready the britchka.
Key passages
“one respected statesman reveals himself, when confronted with a business matter, to be just such another as Madam Korobotchka, in that, once he has got an idea into his head, there is no getting it out of him—you may ply him with daylight-clear arguments, yet they will rebound from his brain as an india-rubber ball rebounds from a flagstone.”
Even a high-ranking official can be as stubborn as Korobotchka, refusing to change his mind no matter how logical the reasoning.
This simile underscores the theme of obstinacy and the futility of rational argument against fixed ideas.
“But these dead souls of which I speak are quite another matter, for in this case you have put forth no exertions—it was merely God’s will that they should leave the world, and thus decrease the personnel of your establishment.”
Unlike honey, which requires labor to produce, these dead souls cost you nothing and are simply a loss by divine will.
Chichikov contrasts tangible goods with intangible dead souls to justify his low offer.
“I am thinking that I scarcely know what to do. Perhaps I had better sell you some hemp?”
Korobotchka is so confused that she suggests selling hemp instead of dead souls.
Her digression reveals her inability to grasp the transaction and her peasant practicality.