Witches, demons, monsters, ghosts and madness: four Russian narratives

Abstract

This article analyzes four novels by Gógol
(1809-1852). Two novels are about low-level Russian
functionalism and its poor living conditions. They take
place in St Petersburg and contain fantastic outcome. The
other two texts have characteristics of folkloric narrative
and describe the action of supernatural beings and
extraordinary events. The life in the small RussianUkrainian
villages described by Gógol is based on the
typical independence of the Cossacks and the enjoyment
of pleasures. In addition, there is the social integration of
the most diverse characters, even witches. It is another
reality, far away from that formed by modern capitalism
and by the inheritance of fault left by Christian morality.