Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Une terrible vengeance by Nikolai Gogol 5 must-read books by Nikolai Gogol to understand Russia. A young swindler arrives in the provincial town of N and pretends to be an important official from the capital. A seminarian performs a requiem for a deceased maiden, who rises from the grave. Major Kovalev wakes up one morning to discover that his nose has run away. These are just three plots from Nikolai Gogol, the most comical, the most satirical, and (one of) the most profound Russian writers. 210 years have flowed under the bridge since his birth, yet his works are as fresh, relevant, and funny as ever. Moreover, he traced many of the features of the Russian character that would be developed by later better-known writers, and identified and poked fun at many problems in Russian society. Put simply, reading Gogol is pure delight. And if you want to understand Russia more deeply, we highly recommend the following works. 1. Dead Souls. Great actor Alexander Kalyagin starring Chichikov. Mikhail Shveytser/Mosfilm, 1984. Most of this book was written in Italy, giving rise to the belief ever since that a Russian writer needs to view the country from the outside in order to peel away all the layers on the inside (and write a good book in the process). Like many of Gogol’s plots, the storyline is quite intricate. The middle-class official Chichikov arrives in a nameless provincial town and visits the local landowners asking them to sell their “dead souls.” The “souls” in question are serfs that have died (and hence of no use to the landowners), but are still listed in the most recent census as alive. Chichikov’s get-rich-quick scheme is to purchase as many as possible to acquire social status. What could possibly go wrong? Incidentally, the author himself described the work as a poem, apparently for its numerous lyrical digressions and reflections on the fate of Russia: “And you, Russia of mine – are not you also speeding like a troika which nought can overtake?” Gogol initially conceived the book as three volumes to echo Dante’s Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. “Hell” (i.e. the first volume bequeathed to us) flowed off the pen and, as its proposed title suggests, probes the darkest aspects of the Russian character (embezzlement, bribery, hypocrisy, not to mention bad roads) in a lively and humorous manner. However, when it came to “Purgatory,” Gogol realized that his aptitude for portraying good characters was not so sharp, and, according to legend, he burned it (only a fragment survived). Over time, the burning of the second volume by the impulsive Gogol has acquired meme-like status in the Russian literary consciousness. 2. The Government Inspector. Yevgeny Mironov as Khlestakov. Sergei Gazarov/Kinomost, 1996. Number 2 in the list is a play, once again set in a small provincial town. The main protagonist, a minor official by the name of Khlestakov, pays a visit. He has absolutely no money, not even for lunch. But he soon learns that the entire municipal elite is anxiously awaiting the arrival of an inspector from St. Petersburg, who will conduct his checks incognito. Khlestakov promptly assumes the role of said inspector. His life is transformed. The local landowners start falling over themselves to toady up to him, offering money and whatever services he desires, while the mayor is determined to marry off his only daughter to the imposter. No more spoilers. You have to read it for yourself, because it really is very funny, even in translation. By the way, director Sergei Gazarov made a great movie version of the comedy with Yevgeny Mironov in the role of Khlestakov and Nikita Mikhalkov in the role of the mayor. The Government Inspector is a regular at just about every theater in Russia. 3. Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka. The Night Before Christmas movie. Aleksandr Rou/Gorky Film Studio, 1961. Gogol was born in the village of Sorochintsy near the city of Mirgorod in what used to be called Malorossiya or “Little Russia” (now Ukraine). He was deeply fond of the “Little Russian” way of life, with its traditions and rural setup. Two of his collections of short stories – Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka and Mirgorod – are dedicated to his native land. However, in “Little Russia” itself, Gogol was criticized for being too Russian. The collection contains some scary tales, almost horror-esque (“May Night, or the Drowned Maiden,” “A Terrible Vengeance”), as well as some amusing romps (“The Night Before Christmas”), but all are connected with evil spirits. Contemporaries highly praised the collection as a breath of fresh air in Russian literature. However, Gogol’s obsession with evil spirits and mysticism (evident in other works too) contributed to some enduring posthumous legends. The writer was buried at Danilov Monastery, but when his remains were exhumed in Soviet times and transferred to Novodevichy Cemetery, it was rumored that the skull was missing. According to other hearsay, the body was found in an unnatural position, suggesting that the writer had been buried alive during a lethargic stupor – allegedly his very worst fear. 4. Mirgorod. A screenshot from "Taras Bulba" movie. Vladimir Bortko/Central Partnership, 2009. This collection is considered a continuation of Evenings , but far more profound and serious. All four stories are standalone works, and not all readers are aware that they were originally part of one collection. The most famous of them is “Viy” (remember the seminarian who performed burial rites over a deceased girl?), which was made into several horror movies. Another piece definitely worth reading is “Taras Bulba” about a Cossack father and his two sons, who go to war together. A Walter Scott-type tale of love, betrayal, and filicide. “I gave you life, it is on me to take it away from you,” says Yul Bryner to Tony Curtis in the 1962 Hollywood movie. In Russia, Gogol’s original words have become a (hopefully ironic) catchphrase. “Old World Landowners” tells about the quiet, sedate life of an elderly and childless husband and wife, a touching story of their love for each other. Meanwhile, “The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich” is self-explanatory. Two “friends” fall out over a petty dispute, hurl ridiculous insults at each other, and ending up taking the other to court. At once very funny and deeply depressing, it is one of the finest examples of the “laughter through tears” genre, which Gogol practically invented. 5. Petersburg Tales. "The Overcoat" movie. By now, you’ve probably noticed that Gogol’s range is wide; no two works are ever alike. This collection is also unique. After the Ukrainian folklore of Evenings and Mirgorod , and the provincial escapades of Chichikov and Khlestakov, we plunge into the capital of the Russian Empire. This collection shows the life of the “little man” in the soulless St. Petersburg. The first tale is “Nevsky Prospekt,” where well-groomed mustaches and sideburns matter more than personality, and where new frock-coats and top hats are flaunted ostentatiously. Meanwhile, the magic powers of the eponymous portrait in “The Portrait” would have been the envy of Dorian Gray. A young artist buys a cursed portrait of an unknown moneylender and goes crazy. As for the nose of Major Kovalev from the phantasmagoric “The Nose,” it ended up with its own monument in St Petersburg. But perhaps the most famous story depicting the “little man” in Russian literature—one who suffers in silence and never complains – is “The Overcoat.” Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin (whose name in Russian sounds like a type of shoe) is a minor official who devotes himself entirely to the important service of. transcribing documents. His coat needs repairing, so he takes it to a tailor who declares it to be beyond salvation. A new one must be purchased, with terrible consequences! If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material. Top 11 Russian Fantasy Movies. You want to know what are the greatest Russian fantasy films of all time? Are you tired of watching the same old Hollywood movies (time and time again) and you feel like you need something new in your life? You can’t travel outside your house (or an apartment) because of the lockdowns and social distancing? Your mind is filled with nonsense that you gathered from social media? Well, then, now it’s the perfect time to join me in the exploration of Russian fantasy movies. Be honest, you’ve got nothing else going on (unless you are Jeff Bezos, of course). Table of Contents. 1. Night Watch. This motion picture is a supernatural thriller, released in 2004. This Russian movie is based upon a 1998 novel written by Sergei Lukyanenko. It follows the struggle between the forces of Light and Dark , the great war that ensued during medieval times, and the events that unfolded afterward. Filmed in modern day Moscow, this motion picture is considered to be one of the best in its genre. Filled with great action sequences and unique and new views on the struggle between the forces of Light and Dark (Day and Night), this highly popular Russian flick, is a must watch for anyone who plans to spend their holidays at home. IMDB score: 6.4/10. 2. Gogol. The Beginning. Gogol. The Beginning is directed by a great Russian director Yegor Baranov. This Russian horror film is based on the works by (possibly) the greatest Russian writer, Nikolai Gogol. This motion picture, released in 2017, is a part of a series of movies, all centered around the works of Nikolai Gogol. The main character experiences seizures and strange visions that at a first glance seem to be completely unconnected. The fun part of the story is the unfortunate timing of his visions coinciding with murders that are being committed elsewhere. IMDB score: 5.8/10. 3. Gogol. Viy. Gogol. Viy, the second part of the trilogy centered around the works of Nikolai Gogol. Directed by the same director, and with the mostly unchanged cast members, this movie breaks the mold, when it comes to sequels not being as good as the original movie. A small, Russian village is plagued by a serial killer that in a short period of time manages to kill eleven women. This horror film follows Gogol , as he unravels the mystery of the strange murders. Gogol. Viy, made around 8 million dollars at the box office. IMDB score: 5.8/10. 4. Gogol. A Terrible Vengeance. Nikolai Gogol is resurrected and ready to get his revenge. This Russian flick is directed by Yegor Baranov. The main protagonist, Gogol, is again played by an amazing Russian actor, Alexander Petrov. If you don’t mind the subtitles, I recommend that you find the time in your busy 2020 schedule, to see the complete trilogy. The story and world is completely unlike anything that we have been accustomed to, while watching Hollywood movies. IMDB score: 6.0/10. 5. Black Lightning. Black Lightning, released in 2009, follows the journey of a college kid and his flying car (completely insane, I know!). The kid uses the car to become the best flower delivery boy, while also fighting crime, and trying to protect the city he lives in (?). This science fiction action movie is all about growing up, finding love and your place in this crazy world. The protagonist, Dima, and his flying car have managed to find their permanent place in modern-day, Russian culture. IMDB score: 5.7/10. 6. Forbidden Kingdom. The Forbidden Kingdom or Viy (Russian title of the movie), is a dark fantasy directed by Oleg Stepchenko. The plot follows an 18-century cartographer, Jonathan Green, as he chooses to travel from Western to Eastern Europe. Adventure and unique views on history and culture are staples of this motion picture. Viy is considered as one of the highest grossing Russian movies, with earnings of around 39 million dollars, worldwide. IMDB score: 5.2/10. 7. To Kill A Dragon. Directed by a famous director Mark Zakharov, this is one of those movies that has the ability to transport you through time and space into a completely new reality that somehow still feels familiar. A distant relative of the now famous, sir Lancelot, also called Lancelot, sets on a journey to liberate the people from a cruel and vicious dragon. This motion picture is strangely filled with deeper meaning, and is a must see, for everyone! IMDB score: 8.0/10. 8. Last Year’s Snow Was Falling. Last Year’s Snow Was Falling is a Soviet animated motion picture directed by Alexandr Tatarskiy. This strange comedy flick is centered around a drunk man with a speech impediment trying to get a Christmas tree. It’s only 20 minutes long, so it won’t take up too much of your time. Last Year’s Snow Was Falling is a great way to improve your mood during those “stay at home lockdown orders” and holidays. IMDB score: 8.4/10. 9. Formula of Love. Formula Of Love is a romance motion picture directed by, the above mentioned, Mark Zakharov . Follows the story of a man who decided to prove that gods don’t have the power over the human race when it comes to finding love. This flick presents a unique view on social relations, Russian culture, and every aspect of life in general. IMDB score: 8.1/10. 10. The Last Warrior. A young man called Ivan (he’s from Russia, so you know, not an unusual name) is transported into a fantasy world, where he has to fight creatures from Russian folklore in order to save it. You will get to meet all the most prominent types of fairytale creatures such as witches, houses that have chicken legs and can walk (YES!), evil princesses, and much more. This flick was directed by Dmitriy Dyachenko. IMDB score: 6.5/10. 11. White Tiger. The plot of this title is set during the most turbulent time in human history, World War II. The protagonist of this movie is focused on finding an elusive and invincible German tank, named “White Tiger”. Imagine having to travel around the Eastern Front in order to chase down a special German tank, that’s killing everybody. Well, now you don’t have to, just consider watching this flick, and you’ll get to experience it, first hand (not really, but you know what i mean). Yes, the main’s character’s name is Ivan, but unlike every other Ivan that you’ve met, this Ivan, has amnesia. IMDB score: 6.1/10. The Bottom Line. We’ve run through some of the best science fiction, war, and/or fantasy movies. Some of them cover dark and gritty themes exploring the depths of the human mind, and some of them are lighthearted and just simply fun. No matter which title you end up watching (and there are a lot of titles) I am certain that you will enjoy it. Just make sure to wear your mask in public, be safe, and add English subtitles! Gogol Movies Online Streaming Guide. The year 1829. Nikolay Gogol, a young Third Section clerk, is desperate: his own books seem shallow and mediocre, so he keeps buying entire print runs just to burn them all. He is suffering from violent epileptic seizures and struggles to keep on working. Investigator Yakov Guro accidentally witnesses one such fit and realizes that Gogol’s visions contain clues that could help solve actual crimes. Together, Gogol and Guro take on a particularly weird and baffling case that brings them to a small village of Dikanka, where everyone has a huge secret to hide. LIMITED TIME: Get Your First Month of Sling TV For Just $10 (Normally $35) Watch channels like TNT, ESPN, NBCSN and stream the entire NBA and NHL playoffs and more. Short stories similar to or like A Terrible Vengeance. Short story by Russian author Nikolai Gogol, originally published in the short story collection Arabesques in 1835. One of Gogol's most demonic of tales, hinting at some of his earlier works such as "St. John's Eve" and "Viy". Wikipedia. Russian novelist, short story writer and playwright of Ukrainian origin. One of the first to use the techniques of surrealism and the grotesque in his works . Wikipedia. Short story by Ukrainian-born Russian author Nikolai Gogol, published in 1842. The story and its author have had great influence on Russian literature, as expressed in a quote about Russian realist writers from Eugène-Melchior de Vogüé (often misattributed to Fyodor Dostoyevsky): "We all come out from Gogol's 'Overcoat'." Wikipedia. Horror novella by the Ukrainian-born Russian writer Nikolai Gogol , first published in volume 1 of his collection of tales entitled Mirgorod . Author's note alluding to folklore, the title character is generally conceded to be wholly Gogol's invention. Wikipedia. Collection of short stories written by Nikolai Gogol, composed between 1832-1834 and first published in 1835. Significantly revised and expanded by Gogol for an 1842 edition of his complete works. Wikipedia. Genre of literature and film that covers horror, death and at times romance. Said to derive from the English author Horace Walpole's 1764 novel The Castle of Otranto, later subtitled "A Gothic Story". Wikipedia. Farcical short story by Nikolai Gogol. Considered to be one of Gogol's greatest short stories. Wikipedia. Genre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romanticism. Joan Aiken's Castle Barebane (1976) Wikipedia. 1836 short story by Nikolai Gogol, one of his shortest works. The story centers on the life of a former cavalry officer and landowner near a small Russian town. Wikipedia. Satirical play by Russian-Ukrainian dramatist and novelist, Nikolai Gogol. Revised for an 1842 edition. Wikipedia. Short story by Nikolai Gogol, written between 1831 and 1834, and published in 1835. Pathetic and insignificant romantic, the narrator is chatty and unreliable, and realism dominates. Wikipedia. Third tale in the collection Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka by Nikolai Gogol. Made into the opera May Night by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1878–79 and also a Ukrainian setting by Mykola Lysenko. Wikipedia. Short story in the Gothic horror genre by 19th-century American author and critic Edgar Allan Poe. An unnamed narrator marries Morella, a woman with great scholarly knowledge who delves into studies of the German philosophers Fichte and Schelling, dealing with the question of identity. Wikipedia. Novella by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, written in 1847. Abstracted young man, Vasily Mikhailovich Ordynov, and his obsessive love for Katerina, the wife of a dismal husband whom Ordynov perceives as a malignant fortune-teller or mystic. Wikipedia. List of authors who have written works of fiction in the Russian language. The list encompasses novelists and writers of short fiction. Wikipedia. Part of the collection Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka by Nikolai Gogol. Actually unfinished, and Gogol makes it seem as though Rudy Panko's friend wrote the story down and gave it to him, but his wife, who cannot read, accidentally used some of the book to bake a pie and only a fragment remains. Wikipedia. Author of a number of theater pieces in Russian and in Ukrainian and father of the writer Nikolai Gogol. The landlord of the village of Vasilyevka , Poltava oblast and descendant of Ukrainian Cossack noble families of Gogol and Lizogub. Wikipedia. Romanticized historical novella by Nikolai Gogol. Old Zaporozhian Cossack, Taras Bulba, and his two sons, Andriy and Ostap. Wikipedia. Gothic horror short story by British writer Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in Harper's Magazine in 1892. Egyptology student who owns many ancient Egyptian artefacts, including a mummy. Wikipedia. Novel by Nikolai Gogol, first published in 1842, and widely regarded as an exemplar of 19th-century Russian literature. The novel chronicles the travels and adventures of Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov (Russian: Павел Иванович Чичиков) and the people whom he encounters. Wikipedia. List of the works by Nikolai Gogol , followed by a list of adaptations of his works: Gogol's short stories composed between 1830 and 1835 are set in Ukraine, and are sometimes referenced collectively as his Ukrainian tales. Wikipedia. Horror short story by Welsh author Arthur Machen. First published in 1904 in Horlick's Magazine, edited by Machen's friend A. E. Waite, then reprinted in Machen's collection The House of Souls . Wikipedia. Short story by American horror writer H. P. Lovecraft. First published in Weird Tales, April 1926. Wikipedia. Series of fantasy-horror films directed by Egor Baranov and produced by the Sreda production company. The films are loosely based on works by Nikolai Gogol from the collection Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka. Wikipedia. Two-act play by the Russian writer Nikolai Gogol, which was written in 1832 and first published in 1842. In the opening scene, a civil servant named Ivan Kuzmich Podkolyosin sits alone in his room smoking a pipe and contemplating marriage. Wikipedia. Russian novelist, short-story writer, playwright, and journalist, who also wrote under the pseudonym M. Stebnitsky. Credited with creating a comprehensive picture of contemporary Russian society using mostly short literary forms. Wikipedia. Gothic story by American author Washington Irving, contained in his collection of 34 essays and short stories titled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. Written while Irving was living abroad in Birmingham, England, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" was first published in 1820. Among the earliest examples of American fiction with enduring popularity, especially during Halloween because of a character known as the Headless Horseman believed to be a Hessian soldier who was decapitated by a cannonball in battle. Wikipedia. Short story by Ivan Turgenev, a Russian novelist and story writer, written in 1854. Brought into sharp relief by his connection with Mumu, a dog he rescued, brought greater national attention to the cruelties of serfdom, and received praise for its brutal portrayal of this institution in Russian society. Wikipedia. Sentences. Sentences for A Terrible Vengeance. This will create an email alert. Stay up to date on result for: A Terrible Vengeance. Une terrible vengeance by Nikolai Gogol. "Terrible Vengeance" by Nikolai Gogol (1832, 40 pages) The plot line is really strange. Before it is over people make the mistake off looking in the window of a strange castle only to see the father of one of the groom's best friends preforming strange rituals in which he is commanding his own daughter to marry him. The plot gets weirder from here but I have told enough to give you the feel for it without spoiling the ending. I have read the excellent posts from others in the circuit. No other work reviewed so far seems as strange as this one.