Dead Souls · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Chichikov visits General Betristchev, flattering him with talk of a history of the Generals of 1812 supposedly being written by Tientietnikov.
What happens
Chichikov visits General Betristchev, flattering him with talk of a history of the Generals of 1812 supposedly being written by Tientietnikov. He wins the General's favor, meets his daughter Ulinka, and then proposes a scheme to acquire dead souls, claiming he needs them to inherit from a fictional uncle. The General finds the idea hilarious and agrees to give him the dead souls.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Chichikov fabricates a story about a history of Generals and a fictional uncle to manipulate the General.
Greed and Materialism
Chichikov's scheme to acquire dead souls for personal gain highlights the theme of greed.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Chichikov's deferential behavior and flattery toward the General underscore social class dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Chichikov
Visits General Betristchev, flatters him, and proposes the dead souls scheme under the pretense of a fictional uncle.
- General Betristchev
Hosts Chichikov, is amused by the dead souls proposal, and agrees to give them away.
- Andrei Ivanovitch Tientietnikov
Mentioned as the neighbor supposedly writing a history of the Generals of 1812.
- Ulinka
The General's daughter, briefly appears and defends Tientietnikov's character.
- Varvar Nikolaievitch Vishnepokromov
Mentioned as the source of negative rumors about Tientietnikov.
Key passages
“I have deemed it my duty to present myself to your Excellency. I have deemed it my duty because in my heart I cherish a most profound respect for the valiant men who, on the field of battle, have proved the saviours of their country.”
Chichikov flatters the General by claiming he feels obligated to pay respects to heroes who saved the country.
Chichikov uses flattery to ingratiate himself with the General.
“If you will hand me over all the dead souls on your estate—hand them over to me exactly as though they were still alive, and were purchasable property—I will offer them to the old man, and then he will leave me his fortune.”
Chichikov asks the General to give him the dead serfs as if they were alive, so he can use them to inherit from his supposed uncle.
Chichikov reveals his true scheme to acquire dead souls.
“Oh, that uncle! ... What a fool he’ll look! Ha, ha, ha! Dead souls offered him instead of live ones! Oh, my goodness!”
The General laughs heartily at the idea of Chichikov tricking his uncle with dead souls.
The General finds the scheme amusing and agrees to help.