D.S. Mirsky characterized Gogol's universe as "one of the most marvellous, unexpected — in the strictest sense, original — worlds ever created by an artist of words". From my personal perspective, this quotation exactly describes Gogol's wring style. In The Overcoat, you will never guess at the ending when you first time read the story. If I write the book, I will definitely stops at the death of Akaky. However, Gogol ends the story in a totally different way. He makes Akaky become the ghost, wandering around the city, and taking others's overcoats. This ending is more unexpected and meaningful than the usual one. The other main characteristic of Gogol's writing is his impressionist vision of reality and people. He always starts the story by describing the Russian normal life and depicting the characters in detail. Here is a short description of Akaky "not a very high one, it must be allowed -- short of stature, somewhat pock-marked, red-haired, and short-sighted, with a bald forehead, wrinkled cheeks, and a complexion of the kind known as sanguine." With some piece of short and strict phrases, Akaky shows the character vividly in front of you.
That's it :) Have a nice break, and happy Thanksgiving.
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