an investigation into the structure of gogol

Gogol's The Portrait, is a short story which examined through a formalistic approach, can be understood beyond its

obvious storyline and plot. Formalism is the literary theory that literature is not simply a mass of words, but

comprised of individual words that each may possess a social stereotype, a spiritual aspect or convey a physical

response in the reader. Formalism asserts that the world is full of codes that need to be decoded. By investigating

these codes, one can understand the world or in this scenario, the literary message better. These codes in

literature, must appear as defamiliarzied or distorted in literature. Everyday aspects of life outside of their average

element, still maintain their same definition but bring that very definition to a different context, thus enabling one to

see that original definition in a new light and indeed, apply it to elucidate other situations similar or completely

dislike to the primary one. The Portrait can be completely and logically dissected by formalistic methods. I will

concentrate on Part I of this short story (solely concerning Chartkov), to produce a more concentrated and concise

. . .
Therefore it would be characterized as a semi-exposition. A formalist would deem this description as a free motif, but I assert that such detail can be

most helpful in engendering a firm foundation for the theme to continue its development. Thus defamiliarization has great intellectual ramifications indeed. In particular, the

choice of the author for a poor character, resulting in sympathetic emotions is a purposeful one, from a formalist

perspective.

The struggle of Chartkov's past absence of money and his decision as to how to use those funds creates intrigue. But for the moment, Gogol puts the portrait aside and concentrates more upon the

persons of the artist himself. " The beginning of The Portrait is very close to being defined as purely immediate but the storyline

is not as simple.

This leitmotif is found in The Nose, by the worship of vanity, prestige, and in The Overcoat, by the worship of social

acceptance and success. Art, according to the formalists, "not only bears

meaning, it forces an awareness upon the reader.

His life outside of his apartment can be termed a free motif , but the composition of the apartment itself is

important to the story. "

Thereby, in making these familiar images seem strange, the reader perceives it in an entirely new way. In this story, compositional motivation serves as the connecting thread of its motifs.

The advantages and disadvantages of wealth, whether it be a moral statement by Gogol or not, is recurrent

throughout the story.

Common topics in this essay:
Gogol's Portrait, Brothers Karamazov, dynamic motif, compositional motivation, portrait chartkov, direct characterization, tool educate masses, recurrent throughout story, indirect characterization, dynamic motif story, recurrent throughout, concerning chartkov, motif story, throughout story, dream sequence,

Approximate Word count = 1845
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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