The Overcoat

The Overcoat is a seminal short story by Mykola Gogol, first published in 1842. It narrates the life of Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin, a humble and overlooked government clerk in 19th-century St. Petersburg. Akaky's life revolves around his monotonous job of copying documents, and he endures ridicule from his colleagues due to his shabby appearance.

When his threadbare overcoat becomes unusable, Akaky saves diligently to purchase a new one, which briefly elevates his status among peers. However, the theft of this prized possession leads to a series of events that culminate in tragedy. Gogol's narrative delves into themes of social injustice, the human condition, and the indifference of bureaucracy, blending realism with elements of the supernatural.

Widely regarded as a masterpiece of Ukrainian literature, The Overcoat has influenced countless writers and is often cited as a precursor to modern literary realism.