The Steel Flea

Style and Technique

Nikolai Leskov's story «The Steel Flea» is written in the skaz genre, which involves the use of colloquial language and folk expressions. Leskov masterfully conveys the nuances of Russian speech, including dialects and vernacular, giving the text authenticity and liveliness. The author uses irony and satire to critique the social and political phenomena of his time. The structure of the story is linear, with a clear development of events and a climax. Leskov also employs hyperbole and grotesque to enhance the artistic effect. Details play an important role in creating vivid and memorable images of characters and situations.