The Government Inspector (Oberon Classics) [Paperback]

Nikolai Gogol (Author), Alistair Beaton (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006 | Series: Oberon Classics

One of the most famous comedies, Gogol's masterpiece has lost none of its bite.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Russian --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Alistair Beaton's plays include Feelgood and Follow My Leader. He translated Gogol's The Nose for Martin Duncan at Nottingham Playhouse. He has recently published a novel, A Planet for the President.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Oberon Books (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840025832
• ISBN-13: 978-1840025835
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,106,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A classic Satire, January 30, 2000

By 

Susan R Murray - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Government Inspector (Drama Classics) (Paperback)

In Gogol's time in Russia corruption was found in every arm of the government. Petty bureaucrats often pocketed money that was intended for public works. The play exposes backwater greed and corruption by showing how thoroughly ingrained bribery and lobbying are in to the culture of smalltime government officials.

The plot of the play is quite ingenious. Khlestakov, a clerk of some sort, but on the whole an entirely unimportant person in the government, is in town at the tavern. He's on the verge of getting kicked out since he's rung up a huge bill. Just when he's thinks all's lost the Lord provost shows up, pays his bill and start treating him like he's the cat's pajamas. Slowly Khlestakov realizes that the towns people think he's an all important Government Inspector and are desperate to bribe wine and dine him so he gives a good report to Petersburg.

This play is a critical social statement about corruption told though the humorous device of a farce. By making light of the faults of our leaders we may be able to raise awareness of the problem of corruption and effect measures that will lead to change.