The hosts discuss Nikolai Gogel's story 'The Nose' and interpret its meaning, focusing on the miscommunications and absurdity in the plot. They explore the theme of obsession with rank and analyze the neuroticism present in the interactions between characters. The chapter also highlights the escalating absurdity as the nose reappears as a high-ranking official in St. Petersburg.
Canada’s leading Russian literature scholar Yoel Inbar joins us to try to make sense of Gogol’s 1836 short story “The Nose.” A nose goes missing from a Russian official’s face and winds up in the barber’s loaf of bread. A few hours later, the nose has rocketed up the social hierarchy and denies his connection to the official. What’s going on? Is Madame Alexandra Grigorievna up to something?
Plus we can’t say how but we got access to submitted abstracts for the new Journal of Controversial Ideas. We read a few of them in the opening segment, and let’s just say this journal is living up to its name.
Special Guest: Yoel Inbar.
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