Question

In the short story "The Nose," by Nikolai Gogol, what common value in Russian culture might Kovaloff's nose represent?

A. That power and appearances are not related in any way
B. That appearance and power are closely related
C. That one's knowledge is more important than one's looks
D. That everybody deserves the opportunity to obtain power

Answer 1

The value in Russian culture the author, Nikolai Gogol, wants to represent is the importance of olfactory perception. It is in the tradition of Russians to have a rich olfactory values. During this period, vision-oriented sensory paradigm is making waves and belittling olfactory-oriented sensory.

Answer 2

The correct answer is option B. "That appearance and power are closely related". In Nikolais Gogol's "The Nose", a St. Petersburg official lost his nose, and the nose acquired a life of its own. Some authors interpret the lost of the nose as to a castration complex, as the official faced a lost of power in relation of changing his appearance by losing his nose.