In this chapter, they discuss the strange premise of a story and how the rules change unexpectedly. They ponder whether the protagonist is delusional and analyze the relationship between the protagonist and his nose. They also discuss the potential motivations of the nose and question the role of professional success. Overall, they delve into the metaphysical and philosophical themes presented in the story.
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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