Chapter: 03. The Overcoat
A. Answer these questions.
Describe the initial impression Akaky Akakievich makes on others, particularly his physical appearance. Akaky Akakievich initially makes an impression of being small, unremarkable, and slightly unsightly, described as short of stature, pock-marked, red-haired, short-sighted, with a bald forehead, wrinkled cheeks, and a sanguine complexion. What does Akaky Akakievich do for “gratification” when he has no official papers to copy at home? When Akaky Akakievich has no official papers to copy at home, he takes copies for himself, for his own gratification, especially if the document was noteworthy due to its addressee rather than its style. Why was the Northern cold considered a “powerful foe” for government servants like Akaky Akakievich? The Northern cold was considered a “powerful foe” because it caused physical discomfort (aching foreheads, tearing eyes) even for high-ranking officials, and left poor titular councillors like Akaky, with their thin overcoats, quite unprotected, freezing their talents and qualifications for official service. What was Petrovich’s initial assessment of Akaky Akakievich’s old overcoat? Petrovich’s initial assessment was that the overcoat was beyond repair; he stated, “No, it is impossible to mend it; it’s a wretched garment! You must have a new overcoat!” How much did Petrovich initially quote for a new overcoat, and how did Akaky Akakievich react to this price? Petrovich initially quoted “a hundred and fifty or more” roubles for a new overcoat. Akaky Akakievich shrieked at this price, perhaps for the first time in his life, as his voice was always soft. Besides walking lightly, what other specific actions did Akaky Akakievich take to save money on his clothes and laundry? Besides walking lightly, Akaky Akakievich gave the laundress as little to wash as possible, and to avoid wearing out his clothes, he would take them off as soon as he got home and wear only his cotton dressing-gown. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“His superiors treated him in coolly despotic fashion.”
a. What does “coolly despotic fashion” suggest about the superiors’ attitude?
* It suggests that the superiors’ attitude was authoritarian, indifferent, and almost tyrannical in its disregard for Akaky’s feelings or personal dignity, treating him as a mere tool without warmth or respect.
b. How did Akaky Akakievich respond to this treatment?
* Akaky Akakievich responded by simply taking the paper, looking only at it, and not observing who handed it to him, implying a passive, submissive acceptance without protest.
c. What does this reveal about the power dynamics in his workplace?
* This reveals a highly hierarchical and oppressive power dynamic where those in superior positions wield absolute power over their subordinates, who are expected to comply without question or personal interaction. “At an hour when the foreheads of even those who occupy exalted positions ache with the cold, and tears start to their eyes, the poor titular councillors are sometimes quite unprotected.”
a. What is the main problem described in this sentence?
* The main problem described is the severe and unbearable cold of St. Petersburg that affects everyone, but particularly the low-ranking, poorly dressed government servants.
b. Who are the “poor titular councillors” in this context?
* The “poor titular councillors” refer to low-ranking, poorly paid government officials like Akaky Akakievich, who have insufficient means to protect themselves from the harsh winter.
c. What “salvation” did they typically find from this problem?
* Their only “salvation” lay in traversing the streets as quickly as possible in their thin overcoats, and then warming their feet in the porter’s room to thaw out their frozen talents and qualifications for official service. “He seemed fully sensible that he had done no small deed, and crossed a gulf separating tailors who only put in linings, and execute repairs, from those who make new things.”
a. Who is “he” in this sentence?
* “He” refers to Petrovich, the tailor.
b. What “gulf” is being referred to here?
* The “gulf” refers to the professional distinction and perceived status between tailors who merely mend or line existing garments and those who possess the skill and artistry to create entirely new ones.
c. What does this suggest about the tailor’s professional ambition or pride?
* This suggests Petrovich has a strong sense of professional pride and perhaps ambition. He views creating a new overcoat as a significant achievement that elevates his status from a simple repairman to a true craftsman. C. Think and answer.
Akaky Akakievich finds “varied and agreeable employment” in copying. Do you think it’s possible for someone to find such deep satisfaction in a seemingly monotonous task? Discuss why or why not, providing examples from real life or other stories. (Student’s personalized answer required. Possible discussion points: Yes, it’s possible if someone finds intrinsic value, precision, or meditative quality in repetitive tasks; they might lack other life outlets; or they have a unique personality that thrives on order. Examples: data entry specialists who enjoy accuracy, artists who find peace in repetitive strokes, people with obsessive-compulsive traits, or monks in meditative practices. No, it’s usually not sustainable for most, as humans crave variety and challenge; it can lead to burnout or boredom if there’s no larger purpose.) The overcoat transforms Akaky Akakievich’s perception of himself and how others perceive him. Discuss how material possessions can sometimes influence a person’s identity and social standing. Is this a healthy or unhealthy aspect of society? (Student’s personalized answer required. Possible discussion points: Material possessions can heavily influence identity and social standing, as they often signal wealth, taste, status, or belonging. For Akaky, it gave him dignity and visibility. This can be unhealthy if self-worth becomes entirely tied to external objects or if society judges individuals solely on possessions, leading to materialism, superficiality, and exclusion. It can be healthy if possessions are seen as tools for expression, comfort, or genuine connection rather than the sole basis of identity.) Imagine you are one of Akaky Akakievich’s young colleagues. After observing his joy with the new overcoat, would your attitude towards him change? Write a short reflection from your character’s perspective, explaining your thoughts and feelings. (Student’s personalized answer required. Possible reflections might include: A shift from indifference/mockery to mild curiosity, surprise at his transformation, grudging respect for his ability to save, or even a flicker of empathy. Some might continue to mock, but perhaps with less zeal, noticing a subtle change in his demeanor. Others might start to see him as a “person” rather than just a copying machine, realizing their previous cruelty. The reflection should reveal whether the colleague is capable of growth or remains stuck in their insensitivity.) 
Answer key