Korobotchka’s Sale and Suspicion

This flow follows Korobotchka from a cautious nighttime host to a seller who doubts her price and carries the story back into town.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Unexpected Shelter

Unexpected Shelter A Stranger at the Gate Korobotchka initially resists admitting Chichikov, since her house is a private residence rather than an inn. The rain and his claim to be a gentleman eventually persuade her to offer him a bed. A Useful Introduction In the morning, Chichikov discovers a well-kept village and learns that his hostess owns serfs. The chance lodging becomes an opportunity to ask about deceased peasants.

A Difficult Proposal

A Difficult Proposal Fear of the Unknown Chichikov explains that he wants the names of serfs who have died since the census. Korobotchka understands that their taxes burden her, but has never sold dead peasants and suspects a trick. Pressure and Reassurance His repeated arguments, offered price, and mention of government contracts eventually overcome her resistance. Her decision comes from uncertainty and practical anxiety rather than confidence in the transaction.

Names on Paper

Names on Paper An Informal Register Korobotchka dictates the dead peasants’ names from memory because she has no prepared list. Chichikov writes down unusual names and secures the signature needed to make the sale official. A Small Gain She provides food and continues asking whether he might buy other goods in the future. Their exchange reveals that she sees the bargain as one part of a wider, uncertain market.

Second Thoughts

Second Thoughts Anxiety About Value Korobotchka worries that she sold the souls too cheaply. Unable to settle the question from her own knowledge, she travels to town to ask what the dead peasants might truly be worth. A Private Deal Goes Public Her visit gives town residents a fresh account of Chichikov’s strange purchase. Her uncertainty does not prove fraud, but it helps transform a secret transaction into rumor.

A Bargain in the Rumor Mill

A Bargain in the Rumor Mill Garbled Testimony Officials question Korobotchka and learn about the purchase, the price, and Chichikov’s promise to buy produce later. Her talk of ordinary goods and contracts leaves them more confused than informed. A Limited Role The officials dismiss her as a foolish, talkative woman, yet her journey has helped circulate the story. Her thread ends with the bargain preserved in memory but misunderstood by the town.

On the stormy night after Manilovka

The morning after the storm

Before Chichikov leaves Korobotchka’s home

Three nights after the sale

During the town’s investigation