Who offered Chikchikov to buy a gray horse, then a piebald mare, then dogs, then a hurdy-gurdy? - briefly
Noor Akhmedov offered Chikchikov to buy a gray horse, then a piebald mare, then dogs, and finally a hurdy-gurdy.
Who offered Chikchikov to buy a gray horse, then a piebald mare, then dogs, then a hurdy-gurdy? - in detail
In Gogol's "Dead Souls," several characters offer various items for sale to Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, the novel's protagonist. These offers include a gray horse, a piebald mare, dogs, and a hurdy-gurdy.
Firstly, the gray horse is offered by the landowner Nozdrev. In Chapter 3, during Chichikov's visit to Nozdrev's estate, the host mentions the horse as an example of his generosity. Nozdrev boasts about the horse's exceptional qualities and offers it to Chichikov at a competitive price. However, Chichikov is not interested in purchasing the horse, as he is more focused on acquiring dead souls, or serfs who have died but are still registered on official documents.
Next, the piebald mare is offered by the landowner Korobochka. In Chapter 5, Chichikov visits Korobochka's estate and inquires about purchasing dead souls. Korobochka, however, is more eager to sell her beloved piebald mare. She insists that Chichikov takes a look at the horse, describing it as a magnificent creature. Despite Korobochka's persistence, Chichikov remains uninterested in the mare and continues his pursuit of dead souls.
Later, the dogs are offered by the landowner Sobakevich. In Chapter 9, during Chichikov's visit to Sobakevich's estate, the host mentions that he has several fine hunting dogs for sale. Sobakevich believes that these dogs would be of great interest to Chichikov, given his apparent wealth and status. However, Chichikov does not express any desire to purchase the dogs, as he is more concerned with acquiring dead souls.
Finally, the hurdy-gurdy is offered by the landowner Manilov. In Chapter 12, during Chichikov's visit to Manilov's estate, the host mentions that his son has a hurdy-gurdy for sale. Manilov believes that this musical instrument would be of great interest to Chichikov, given his apparent refinement and taste. However, Chichikov does not show any enthusiasm for the hurdy-gurdy, as he is more focused on acquiring dead souls.
In each case, the characters' offers of these items serve to highlight their peculiarities and quirks, as well as their misunderstanding of Chichikov's true intentions. These episodes also contribute to the novel's critique of Russian society and its values.