What else do you need, Ivan Vasilyevich, the dog? - briefly
What else do you need, Ivan Vasilyevich?
What else do you need, Ivan Vasilyevich, the dog? - in detail
The phrase "What else do you need, Ivan Vasilyevich, the dog?" is a memorable and oft-cited line from Nikolai Gogol's renowned play "The Government Inspector" (also known as "Revizor"). This work, written in 1836, is a cornerstone of Russian literature and theater. The line is uttered by the character Khlestakov, who has been mistaken for an inspector general sent from St. Petersburg to examine the local administration. The phrase encapsulates the essence of Gogol's satirical critique of provincial corruption and bureaucratic ineptitude.
In the context of the play, Khlestakov, a young man with no official position or authority, arrives in a small town where he is mistaken for an inspector general. The local officials, fearing exposure of their misdeeds, attempt to bribe and appease him, hoping to avoid punishment. The line "What else do you need, Ivan Vasilyevich, the dog?" is directed at the mayor, who is desperately trying to meet Khlestakov's demands in order to secure his favor.
The use of the term "dog" is a pejorative, reflecting Khlestakov's contempt for the corrupt and sycophantic officials he encounters. It underscores the degradation and moral decay that pervade the provincial administration, where self-interest and fear of exposure drive the actions of those in power.
Gogol's play is a scathing commentary on the social and political climate of his time, highlighting the endemic corruption and lack of accountability within the Russian bureaucracy. The phrase not only serves as a vivid example of Gogol's biting satire but also highlights the broader themes of deceit, hypocrisy, and the abuse of power that permeate the play.
In summary, "What else do you need, Ivan Vasilyevich, the dog?" is a pivotal moment in "The Government Inspector" that underscores Gogol's critique of provincial corruption and the moral decay within the Russian bureaucracy. The line remains a powerful and memorable example of Gogol's masterful use of satire to expose the underlying flaws of his society.