The Nose

Summary

The novella "The Nose" by Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol tells the story of a bizarre incident that befalls Collegiate Assessor Kovalyov. One morning, he discovers that his nose has vanished. It soon becomes apparent that the nose is living its own life, having assumed the guise of a State Councillor. Kovalyov attempts to retrieve his nose by appealing to various authorities, but to no avail. Eventually, the nose miraculously returns to its rightful place, and Kovalyov resumes his life as if nothing had happened. The novella satirizes bureaucracy and social conventions, highlighting the absurdity of certain aspects of life.