How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich

Main Ideas

• The absurdity and pettiness of human conflicts: Gogol demonstrates how minor quarrels can escalate into serious conflicts, destroying friendships and lives.
• Satire on bureaucracy and the judicial system: The author mocks the inefficiency and formalism of local authorities and courts, which are unable to resolve a simple dispute.
• Psychological portrait of provincial society: Gogol depicts typical representatives of provincial society, their lifestyle, habits, and characters, highlighting their limitations and comedic nature.
• The theme of human foolishness and stubbornness: The mutual intransigence and stubbornness of the main characters lead to absurd and tragicomic outcomes.
• Critique of pettiness and selfishness: The author shows how petty grievances and selfishness can ruin human relationships, leading to isolation and loneliness.