The Corruption of Nikanor Ivanovich Bosoy

The chairman of the tenants' association, Nikanor Ivanovich, is tempted by a bribe, arrested, and experiences a surreal dream about currency dealers.

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The Bribe Offer

The Temptation The Empty Apartment Nikanor Ivanovich, chairman of the house committee, goes to apartment 50 to seal the deceased's belongings. He finds a stranger, Koroviev, who claims to be a foreign artist's interpreter. The Offer Koroviev proposes that the committee rent the apartment to the foreign artist Woland for a week. Nikanor Ivanovich agrees, accepting a bribe of 4,000 roubles and a free pass to the theatre. The Trap Koroviev tricks Nikanor Ivanovich into accepting dollars instead of roubles. The wad of money is hidden in the ventilation. Unknown to him, the police have been informed.

The Arrest

The Discovery The Police Raid While Nikanor Ivanovich is eating lunch, two police officers arrive. They search the ventilation and find the dollars. Nikanor Ivanovich protests that he was framed, but the evidence is against him. The Confusion He tries to show the contract with Woland, but it has disappeared from his briefcase. He is arrested and taken away. His wife is left in shock. The Informer Timofei Kvastsov, a neighbor who had reported the transaction, is also taken away by the mysterious forces. The corruption of the system is exposed.

The Dream of the Currency Theatre

The Surreal Performance The Theatre In his dream, Nikanor Ivanovich is taken to a luxurious theatre where all the spectators are men, seated on the floor. The master of ceremonies invites him to the stage to turn over his currency. The Confession Nikanor Ivanovich tries to deny having any dollars, but the audience accuses him. Other currency dealers are brought on stage and exposed. The actor Kurolesov performs a scene from Pushkin's "The Covetous Knight". The Pressure The dream continues with a parade of sinners and the threat of punishment. Nikanor Ivanovich is tormented by the dream, which reflects his guilt and the absurdity of the Soviet currency laws.

The Awakening

The Return to Reality The Injection Nikanor Ivanovich wakes up in the clinic, screaming about currency. The nurse Praskovya Fyodorovna gives him a sedative. He is still confused but gradually calms down. The Aftermath He remains in the clinic, unable to free himself from the nightmare. The dream has left a lasting impression on him. He is a victim of both his own greed and the supernatural forces. The Symbolism His dream serves as a satirical commentary on the Soviet obsession with currency and the methods of the secret police. Nikanor Ivanovich becomes a symbol of the ordinary man caught in a corrupt system.

Morning after Berlioz's death

Later that morning

First night in the clinic

Next morning