The Inspector-General

The Inspector-General by Nikolai Gogol, expertly translated by Thomas Seltzer, is a scathing satire that exposes the rampant corruption plaguing a provincial Russian town. News of an impending visit from a high-ranking inspector throws the corrupt officials into a frenzy. The mayor, fearing punishment for their misdeeds, mistakes a visiting young man, Ivan Khlestakov, for the dreaded inspector. Mistaken identity fuels the narrative as Khlestakov, a penniless gambler, unwittingly plays the role of the inspector to his advantage. The townspeople shower him with lavish gifts and bribes, desperate to curry favor. Gogol’s masterful use of satire unfolds as Khlestakov enjoys his newfound status and the officials scramble to conceal their wrongdoings. The truth eventually surfaces, but not before a hilarious series of events leave the corrupt officials exposed and the audience chuckling at their absurdity. The Inspector-General remains a timeless social commentary, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the transformative power of a good satirical jab. —- ISBN: 9798321841488