Chapter: 03. The Overcoat
English Literature: The Overcoat (Practice Paper) - Answer Key
A. Answer these questions briefly
Describe Akaky Akakievich’s daily routine, both at work and at home, before he thought about the new overcoat. At work, he tirelessly copied documents, ignoring ridicule and superiors’ harshness. At home, he quickly ate cabbage soup, then continued copying papers he brought or even copied for his own gratification, smiling at the thought of more copying the next day. What was the common perception of Akaky Akakievich’s old overcoat among his colleagues? His old overcoat was an object of ridicule among his colleagues. They even refused to call it an overcoat, instead referring to it dismissively as a “dressing jacket.” Why was Petrovich, the tailor, initially unwilling to mend Akaky Akakievich’s old overcoat? Petrovich was unwilling to mend the old overcoat because he deemed it beyond repair, calling it a “wretched garment” that would be a “waste of time and money” to try and fix. What was Akaky Akakievich’s immediate reaction when Petrovich told him he needed a new overcoat? Akaky Akakievich was shocked and distressed. “All grew dark before his eyes,” and “everything in the room began to whirl round.” He shrieked in disbelief at the proposed cost. How did Akaky Akakievich manage to save money, particularly regarding his evening habits and shoe wear? To save money, Akaky Akakievich gave up evening tea, burned no candles (working by his landlady’s light), and walked as lightly as possible, almost on tiptoe, to avoid wearing down his shoe heels quickly. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context
“And there was something strange in the words and the voice in which they were uttered.”
a. What words are being referred to here?
* The words referred to are Akaky Akakievich’s rare protest: “Leave me alone! Why do you insult me?”
b. What circumstances usually led Akaky Akakievich to utter these words?
* He usually uttered these words when the joking and insults from his young colleagues became “wholly unbearable,” specifically when they jogged his hand and prevented him from attending to his work.
c. What does the narrator imply by saying “something strange” about them?
* The narrator implies that Akaky’s protest was unusual and perhaps contained a deeper, unarticulated plea or an expression of pain that went beyond the simple words, hinting at his profound vulnerability and quiet desperation. “At least once every month he went to Petrovich to talk about the overcoat, where it would be best to buy the cloth, what colour it should be and what price.”
a. Who is “he” in this sentence, and why was he visiting Petrovich so often?
* “He” is Akaky Akakievich. He was visiting Petrovich so often to diligently plan and discuss every detail of his future overcoat, demonstrating his intense focus and anticipation as he saved money for it.
b. What does this regular interaction reveal about “his” commitment to the new overcoat?
* This regular interaction reveals Akaky’s profound commitment and meticulous planning for the new overcoat. It shows it was not just a purchase but a project that consumed his thoughts and became a central purpose in his life.
c. What was the eventual cost of Petrovich’s labor for making the overcoat?
* Petrovich charged twelve roubles for his labor in making the overcoat. “Never did an overcoat arrive so exactly in the nick of time; for the severe cold had set in, and it seemed to threaten to increase.”
a. What significant event is being described here?
* This describes the significant and joyous event of Petrovich finally delivering the new overcoat to Akaky Akakievich.
b. Why was the timing considered “exactly in the nick of time”?
* The timing was considered perfect because a severe cold snap had just begun, and the weather threatened to get even colder, making the new, warm overcoat an immediate necessity.
c. How did Petrovich demonstrate his satisfaction after delivering the overcoat?
* Petrovich demonstrated his satisfaction by having a significant expression on his countenance, proudly holding up and fitting the overcoat on Akaky, and then following Akaky into the street to gaze at his creation from various angles, showing his immense pride in his craftsmanship. C. Think and answer
“It would be difficult to find another man who lived so entirely for his duties. It is not enough to say that Akaky laboured with zeal: no, he laboured with love.”
Discuss the unique nature of Akaky Akakievich’s relationship with his work. What does this suggest about his character and his life outside of work? Akaky Akakievich’s relationship with his work is extraordinarily unique and intense. He doesn’t just perform his duties; he “laboured with love,” finding “varied and agreeable employment” in the monotonous act of copying. This suggests a character who is profoundly simple, finds deep contentment in order and routine, and possesses a singular focus that borders on obsession. His life outside of work appears almost non-existent; he has no friends, no hobbies, and little interest in his personal appearance or social interactions. His work isn’t just a job; it is his entire world, providing him with meaning, purpose, and a quiet sense of happiness that he doesn’t seek elsewhere. The story highlights the harsh social conditions and the indifference Akaky Akakievich faces. How does the narrative make you feel about Akaky Akakievich’s situation, and what message about society might the author be conveying through his experiences? The narrative evokes strong feelings of pity and sympathy for Akaky Akakievich. His meekness, his quiet suffering under ridicule, and his profound joy over a simple overcoat highlight his vulnerability and the harshness of his existence. The reader feels a sense of injustice at how he is treated by his colleagues and superiors, who demonstrate cold indifference and even cruelty. Through Akaky’s experiences, the author, Nikolai Gogol, conveys a powerful message about society. He critiques a bureaucratic and class-conscious society that devalues individuals based on their low status and material poverty. The story suggests that such a society dehumanizes its members, stripping them of dignity and empathy. It serves as a humanitarian plea, urging readers to look beyond superficial appearances and social standing to recognize the inherent humanity and quiet struggles of even the most insignificant individuals. 
Answer key