Plushkin’s Hoard and Isolation

This character thread contrasts Plushkin’s enormous holdings with his poverty of daily life and shows how one generous transaction briefly awakens him.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Village in Decay

A Village in Decay Signs of Neglect Chichikov enters a village of damaged huts and ruined roofs. The disorder conflicts with the estate’s reputation for size and reveals how little its owner’s wealth benefits those living there. A Misread Housekeeper A ragged figure first appears to be a woman servant, but Chichikov learns that it is the landowner himself. Plushkin’s appearance makes his social position almost impossible to recognize.

The Miser’s Household

The Miser’s Household Hoarding Without Use Plushkin’s rooms are crowded with dust, broken objects, and decaying possessions. His estate stores large quantities of produce, while his servants and household live under severe deprivation. Suspicion as Habit He distrusts servants and visitors alike, guarding minor supplies and imagining theft at every turn. His economy has become a destructive way of life rather than responsible management.

A Sudden Offer

A Sudden Offer Relief from Taxes Chichikov offers to assume the tax burden on the dead serfs still recorded on Plushkin’s list. Plushkin first suspects a trick, then reacts with intense gratitude when he believes the offer will save him expense. A Flicker of Warmth The bargain briefly softens Plushkin’s face as he remembers an old school friendship and prepares a letter for the council president. The feeling is transient, but it reveals what his isolation has buried.

Dead and Runaway Lists

Dead and Runaway Lists A Valuable Record Plushkin produces a list containing many deceased serfs, enabling Chichikov to add substantially to his purchases. The names appear as a dense bureaucratic record of people absent from ordinary life. A Further Bargain Plushkin also offers his runaway serfs, and Chichikov pays a small sum for them. Their uncertain status expands the scheme beyond deceased people still counted for tax purposes.

The Watch in the Will

The Watch in the Will An Attempt at Gratitude Plushkin considers giving Chichikov a damaged silver watch in thanks for the supposed kindness. He eventually decides to leave it to him in a will rather than surrender it immediately. Feeling Recedes The gesture shows that a moment of gratitude can still arise in Plushkin, but his habits of possession and distrust soon resume. The watch becomes another thing hoarded for a future that may never arrive.

As Chichikov approaches Plushkin’s estate

At Chichikov’s first meeting with Plushkin

During Chichikov’s conversation with Plushkin

Before Chichikov leaves Plushkin’s estate

After Chichikov’s departure