The School Inspector's Timidity

The Government Inspector

This thread follows Luka Khlopov's fear of superior authority, which overwhelms his professional concerns and culminates in payment.

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Anxious Before Inspection Anxious Before Inspection from "The Government Inspector". The School Inspector's Worry Teachers under discussion The Mayor criticizes a teacher's facial expressions and another's dramatic lessons.

Anxious Before Inspection from "The Government Inspector". The School Inspector's Worry Teachers under discussion The Mayor criticizes a teacher's facial expressions and another's dramatic lessons.

The School Inspector's Worry Teachers under discussion The Mayor criticizes a teacher's facial expressions and another's dramatic lessons. Luka Lukich Khlopov admits he has tried to address their conduct but fears blame for allowing radical ideas. Education made subordinate The discussion concerns appearances and political suspicion more than learning. Luka's fear reflects an office in which a minor misstep can become a threat to rank.

Too Frightened to Lead Too Frightened to Lead from "The Government Inspector". The First Visit Assigned Others choose him The officials argue over who should approach Khlestakov first.

Too Frightened to Lead from "The Government Inspector". The First Visit Assigned Others choose him The officials argue over who should approach Khlestakov first.

The First Visit Assigned Others choose him The officials argue over who should approach Khlestakov first. They suggest that the school inspector go, but Luka says his heart stops when a superior speaks to him. Authority overwhelms duty His response is comic, but it also shows how the hierarchy has trained officials to fear one another. The school's actual needs disappear behind the problem of approaching power.

A Cigar and a Stammer A Cigar and a Stammer from "The Government Inspector". Nervous Deference A failed gesture Khlestakov offers Luka a cigar, and the inspector cannot decide whether to take it.

A Cigar and a Stammer from "The Government Inspector". Nervous Deference A failed gesture Khlestakov offers Luka a cigar, and the inspector cannot decide whether to take it.

Nervous Deference A failed gesture Khlestakov offers Luka a cigar, and the inspector cannot decide whether to take it. He drops it while trying to light it and struggles to address his visitor. A request for money Khlestakov asks for a loan, and Luka gives him three hundred rubles. The school inspector leaves relieved that he may not have to face a school inspection.

The Letter's Unwanted Portrait

Insult in Public A personal slur The letter says Luka reeks of onions. He answers that he never puts onions in his mouth, treating the joke as a literal accusation rather than a comment on his standing. Reputation eclipses work His response captures the officials' preoccupation with how they appear. The letter brings public ridicule, but not discussion of the schools or students in his care.

Waiting in the Tableau Waiting in the Tableau from "The Government Inspector". A Timid Official Frozen A real summons The gendarme announces an actual inspector from Saint Petersburg.

Waiting in the Tableau from "The Government Inspector". A Timid Official Frozen A real summons The gendarme announces an actual inspector from Saint Petersburg.

A Timid Official Frozen A real summons The gendarme announces an actual inspector from Saint Petersburg. Luka, who has spent the play dreading a superior's attention, now faces a genuine summons. Fear has no resolution He remains among the motionless officials as the curtain falls. The play provides no account of what will happen in his schools or to his position.

Act I, during the Mayor's briefing

Act IV, before the officials' interviews

Act IV, during Luka's interview

Act V, during the reading of Khlestakov's letter

Act V, the final moment