The Portrait

Style and Technique

In The Portrait, Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol employs a realistic style infused with elements of mysticism and fantasy. The language of the work is rich with metaphors, symbols, and allegories, giving the text depth and complexity. Gogol masterfully uses descriptions to create atmosphere and convey the inner states of the characters. Literary devices include contrast, hyperbole, and irony, which help the author explore themes of human greed, moral decline, and redemption. The story is structured in two parts: the first part narrates the fate of the artist Chartkov, while the second delves into the origins of the mysterious portrait. This approach allows Gogol to explore the influence of art on individuals and society more deeply.