What happened to Gogol's dog? - briefly
Nikolai Gogol's dog, named Trulala, was a beloved companion of the writer. Unfortunately, it is reported that Trulala was lost during a trip to Switzerland in 1837.
What happened to Gogol's dog? - in detail
In Nikolai Gogol's renowned short story "Diary of a Madman," the fate of the protagonist's dog is an intricate and symbolic element that contributes to the narrative's profound exploration of madness and paranoia. The dog, which initially appears as a simple pet, eventually transforms into a powerful metaphor representing the narrator's descent into insanity.
The story begins with the protagonist, a civil servant named Poprishchin, documenting his mundane life in a diary. Among various trivial events and observations, he mentions his dog, whom he affectionately refers to as "my friend." This initial portrayal of the dog serves as a reflection of Poprishchin's sanity—it is a familiar and comforting presence in his otherwise dull existence.
As the narrative progresses, Poprishchin's mental state deteriorates. He begins to perceive hidden meanings and conspiracies in even the most innocuous events. This paranoia extends to his dog, whom he now suspects of being part of a larger plot against him. The dog, once a symbol of comfort, becomes a source of unease and suspicion. Poprishchin's delusions grow more elaborate and frightening, culminating in the belief that his dog is communicating secret messages to others, further isolating him from reality.
The climax of this psychological unraveling occurs when Poprishchin believes he has discovered a letter written by the dog, which he interprets as a coded message revealing a vast conspiracy against him. This delusion underscores the profound disconnect between his perceived reality and actual events, emphasizing the depth of his mental decline.
In conclusion, Gogol's portrayal of the dog's transformation in "Diary of a Madman" is a masterful literary device that mirrors the protagonist's deteriorating mental state. The dog's evolution from a beloved pet to a perceived conspiratorial agent highlights Poprishchin's descent into madness, providing readers with a poignant and chilling insight into the human psyche.