Dead Souls

The narrator informs us, in another digression, that the appetite of those of the middle classes, rather than the elites, is particularly praiseworthy, as they can demand large meals and digest them with ease. Chichikov orders an entire suckling pig at an inn, then quizzes the landlady about the local landowners, learning that Sobakevich is among them.

Chichikov eyes another inn guest, a “fine young fellow […] his face just radiated good health” (1157-59). He is Nozdryov, whom Chichikov met in town, and with him is Mizuyev, his brother-in-law. Nozdryov regales Chichikov with the tale of how he lost all his money gambling, his recent visit to a trade fair, and drinking bouts with army officers. Nozdryov invites him to his house, and Chichikov eventually decides to go, thinking to himself that Nozdryov is likely an easy mark for any of his plans. Mizuyev demurs, saying he must get home to his wife, but he soon gives in.

The narrator sketches Nozdryov’s character. Nozdryov is one of a certain social type: “chatterboxes, rakes and fast drivers […] At thirty-five, Nozdryov was exactly the same as he was at eighteen or twenty: someone who liked to have a wild time” (1300-01).