Theory question 105
Other Set Texts: Non-African DramaLiterature 2, Section B: Non-African Drama. Nikolai Gogol: The Government Inspector
Discuss the theme of corruption in the play.
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The officials of a provincial town fear the arrival of an inspector incognito because all are corrupt.
The Mayor takes bribes from merchants and misuses public funds (e.g. money for the church).
The Judge accepts bribes (in puppies), the Charity Commissioner neglects the hospital, the Postmaster opens letters.
They mistake Khlestakov, a penniless clerk, for the inspector and bribe him with 'loans'.
The Mayor even offers his daughter in marriage to gain advantage.
Khlestakov's letter exposes them; the real inspector's arrival ends the play in stunned silence.
Gogol shows corruption running through the whole bureaucracy.
Give examples from several characters.