The Government Inspector (Oberon Classics) (Paperback)

by Nikolai Gogol (Author), Alistair Beaton (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A classic text used at all levels of academic theatre studies. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Russian --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Oberon Books (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840025832
• ISBN-13: 978-1840025835
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5 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.com Sales Rank: #1,473,163 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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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 (New York, NY) - 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.