The Attempted Disposal

The Nose

This flow focuses on the barber’s changing strategy as he tries to rid himself of a dangerous and inexplicable object.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Wrapping the Nose Wrapping the Nose from "The Nose". Wrapping the Nose Concealment at Home After his wife orders him to remove the nose, Ivan Yakovlevitch wraps it in cloth.

Wrapping the Nose from "The Nose". Wrapping the Nose Concealment at Home After his wife orders him to remove the nose, Ivan Yakovlevitch wraps it in cloth.

Wrapping the Nose Concealment at Home After his wife orders him to remove the nose, Ivan Yakovlevitch wraps it in cloth. The small act of concealment turns the body part into contraband. No Safe Plan He cannot decide where to leave it. His only clear purpose is to put distance between himself and an object he cannot explain.

Interrupted in the Street Interrupted in the Street from "The Nose". Interrupted in the Street Failed Evasion An acquaintance stops Ivan with casual questions, preventing him from abandoning the bundle.

Interrupted in the Street from "The Nose". Interrupted in the Street Failed Evasion An acquaintance stops Ivan with casual questions, preventing him from abandoning the bundle.

Interrupted in the Street Failed Evasion An acquaintance stops Ivan with casual questions, preventing him from abandoning the bundle. Ordinary conversation becomes an obstacle because he must behave naturally while hiding evidence. The Sentry’s Warning When he drops the nose, a sentry notices and orders him to pick it up. Public surveillance defeats his attempt at discreet disposal.

The Bridge Decision The Bridge Decision from "The Nose". The Bridge Decision A Final Destination Ivan chooses a bridge as the place to discard the bundle, hoping the river will remove it from his life.

The Bridge Decision from "The Nose". The Bridge Decision A Final Destination Ivan chooses a bridge as the place to discard the bundle, hoping the river will remove it from his life.

The Bridge Decision A Final Destination Ivan chooses a bridge as the place to discard the bundle, hoping the river will remove it from his life. The plan depends on secrecy rather than understanding. Relief on the Water He drops the wrapped nose into the Neva and feels a burden lift. The relief is temporary because the narrative soon returns him to official suspicion.

A Police Encounter A Police Encounter from "The Nose". A Police Encounter Sudden Recognition A police inspector calls Ivan over after he leaves the bridge.

A Police Encounter from "The Nose". A Police Encounter Sudden Recognition A police inspector calls Ivan over after he leaves the bridge.

A Police Encounter Sudden Recognition A police inspector calls Ivan over after he leaves the bridge. The timing makes his attempted escape feel exposed, although the account withholds what the inspector learns. Suspense Without a Record The narrative breaks away before the encounter is resolved. Ivan’s danger remains suspended, emphasizing how little control he has over the consequences of his actions.

The Culprit’s Arrest The Culprit’s Arrest from "The Nose". The Culprit’s Arrest The Official Explanation The returning nose is accompanied by a report that Ivan Yakovlevitch has been arrested.

The Culprit’s Arrest from "The Nose". The Culprit’s Arrest The Official Explanation The returning nose is accompanied by a report that Ivan Yakovlevitch has been arrested.

The Culprit’s Arrest The Official Explanation The returning nose is accompanied by a report that Ivan Yakovlevitch has been arrested. His attempted disposal has not ended the matter. Unsettled Responsibility The arrest assigns blame but supplies no convincing account of how a nose entered bread or moved through the city. The legal outcome and the mystery remain separate.

Morning of 25 March

Early morning of 25 March

Later that morning

Immediately after the disposal

Evening of 25 March