Viitta: Kertomus

by Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol

"Viitta: Kertomus" by Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol is a short story written in the early 19th century. The narrative centers on the life of a minor bureaucrat named Akaaki Akaakievitsch, who is portrayed as an unremarkable and modest government clerk. Through Satirical elements, the work explores themes of social class, human suffering, and the mundane yet cruel reality of bureaucratic life. The opening of the story introduces Akaaki Akaakievitsch, detailing his background and current position as a copyist in an unspecified government office. It describes his physical appearance and character traits, which include shyness and a strong commitment to his job, as he diligently works in a world that largely ignores him. The story presents a glimpse into his life, showcasing the cruelty and apathy he faces from his colleagues who mock him for his old and worn outer garment, a "viitta" (overcoat). As his struggles unfold, a deep sense of pity for his character is evoked, setting the stage for the larger narrative on his quest for dignity and respect amidst an indifferent bureaucratic system.