How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich

Summary

The novella by Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol, «How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich», tells the story of two wealthy landowners living in the Ukrainian town of Mirgorod. Ivan Ivanovich Pererepenko and Ivan Nikiforovich Dovgochkhun were long-time friends, but one day they had a falling out over a trivial matter. Ivan Ivanovich suggested exchanging his gun for Ivan Nikiforovich's geese, but when the latter refused and called his friend a «gander» in anger, Ivan Ivanovich took offense and sued Ivan Nikiforovich. The quarrel dragged on for many years, with both characters stubbornly refusing to reconcile despite others' attempts to mediate. The novella satirizes pettiness and stubbornness, illustrating how minor grievances can destroy friendships and lead to absurd consequences.