Short Story: The Overcoat

Introduction
"The Overcoat" is a short story composed by Russian author Nikolai Gogol in 1842. The story follows the life of a lonely, impoverished government clerk, Akaky Akakievich, who works as a low-level authorities in 19th-century St. Petersburg. As the story unfolds, Gogol analyzes the administration and social hierarchy of Russian society, using supernatural elements to stress the styles of isolation, oppression, and materialism.

Akaky's Life and Work
Akaky Akakievich, the lead character, is described as a quiet, unassuming guy who takes his work as a "titular councillor" really seriously. He diligently copies documents at the workplace, unconcerned to the mockery and mistreatment he deals with from his coworkers. Akaky's days are tedious, and his life beyond work is equally dull. His clothing are meager and threadbare, but he ignores his worn-out appearance. Akaky lives frugally, saving money on food and other essentials, focusing all his energy on his work.

The Deteriorating Overcoat
As winter approaches, Akaky understands that his precious topcoat is falling apart and will not keep him warm. He takes it to Petrovich, the tailor, wishing for repair work. Nevertheless, Petrovich informs him that the coat is beyond repair and that he must acquire a new one. Distraught over the cost, Akaky conserves and cuts corners where he can to save up for his new overcoat. Through Akaky's commitment, Gogol highlights the importance of the material things within society, as the overcoat ends up being a sign of security and self-respect.

The New Overcoat
After lots of months of deprivation and hard work, Akaky lastly collects enough money to buy a brand-new overcoat. The tailor, Petrovich, styles an outstanding, warm topcoat for him. The minute Akaky steps out in his brand-new overcoat, he experiences a newfound sense of respect and adoration from those around him, including his colleagues who once ridiculed him. The when ignored and bullied Akaky changes into the focal point, enjoying his newly found status as they treat him as an equivalent. This change in understanding highlights the shallow nature of society's judgments and worths.

The Theft
Regrettably, simply as Akaky starts to take pleasure in the regard and warmth his new topcoat offers, tragedy strikes. Returning home late one night, Akaky is attacked by 2 thieves who steal his overcoat. Ravaged, Akaky relies on the cops for help, however they show little interest in his plight. In desperation, he connects to a "person of repercussion", a high-ranking official, expecting help. Sadly, the individual of effect scolds him for not following appropriate bureaucratic channels and dismisses his concerns. Akaky's desperation and the authorities's indifference demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the administrative system and the cold of a society where people' worth is measured by product possessions and wealth.

Supernatural Elements and Conclusion
Gogol presents a supernatural aspect to the story when Akaky passes away soon after the traumatic loss of his topcoat. His ghost starts haunting the streets of St. Petersburg, confronting those who use topcoats, and frightens the person of repercussion into changing his methods. The story concludes when Akaky's spirit eventually discovers another topcoat to change his stolen one, vanishing from the city forever.

"The Overcoat" by Nikolai Gogol stays a pertinent story, even today, as it examines styles such as social hierarchy, materialism, and the dehumanizing nature of bureaucracy. The story serves as a commentary on how individuals can discover themselves lost amid these systems and how society often cruelly judges others based upon superficial attributes rather than personal integrity.