Gogol's "The Overcoat": Materialism, Class, and Bureaucracy

Introduction: Society and Status in St. Petersburg

Gogol's "The Overcoat" is an extraordinary tale of bureaucracy, life, and civilization in modern society. It portrays both the positive and negative aspects of life in St. Petersburg. In particular, the emphasis on class association, material possessions, and work status are encapsulated in the story. It is also very interesting to note the communication and behaviors of society once Akaky received his new, well-furnished coat.

Clothing, and material possessions more broadly, have a way of changing perceptions of even the most ordinary individual. High-quality clothing, in the case of Akaky, became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. As Akaky first came into possession of the new overcoat, his immediate circle began to change to reflect the higher status the coat represented. In essence, this shift indicates the emphasis placed on materialism, class, and status within St. Petersburg society. This assessment is further confirmed once Akaky lost his prized overcoat. It appears that society, in taking his coat, robbed him of his standing as a respected member of the community.

Akaky as the Working Poor Under Capitalism

The parallels within the book to capitalism and St. Petersburg society are striking. Akaky was, at least near the beginning of the story, an ordinary laborer. There was nothing particularly interesting about his work or his ability to assert himself as a unique individual. He toiled every day, worked hard, and earned a meager salary. He was near the lower end of the capitalistic hierarchy and was therefore relegated to duties and positions that others deemed unworthy — as indicated by his coworkers' disdain for copy work.

Due in part to this low status, Akaky was frequently picked on and harassed. Gogol appears to be drawing parallels to how poor and lower-class individuals are often ridiculed in society, even though they work disproportionately hard to make a living. We see this throughout the United States and other developed nations as income inequality continues to shape society. The poor appear to be getting poorer while the rich get richer. Akaky is a hardworking laborer who enjoys his job and is simply attempting to make a living, yet he is ridiculed and harassed in much the same manner as lower-income families within a capitalist society.

Sacrifice, Determination, and the Pursuit of Goals

One of the more positive elements portrayed in the story regards life, law, and order. In life, one is often confronted with obstacles to overcome, and Akaky was no different. His overcoat, which had long been the butt of jokes, became damaged beyond repair. His meager salary would not allow him to simply replace it, so he needed to save for a new and improved coat. In life, communities, citizens, and individual stakeholders must often sacrifice to achieve success, and Gogol appears to be emphasizing this point through Akaky's experience.

Akaky had the determination and wherewithal to save properly and consistently for his new coat, even on a meager salary. He did not make excuses or blame anyone for his unfortunate circumstances. Instead, he continued to toil in his craft, eventually saving enough to purchase the prized coat. This portion of the story resonates strongly given the nature of capitalism today. Those in the lower class must sacrifice and work hard in much the same manner Akaky did for his overcoat. Once a goal is achieved, however, it brings with it a genuine sense of accomplishment.