Dead Souls:
Nikolai Gogol’s satirical novel follows Pavel Chichikov, who travels across Russia buying the rights to deceased serfs ("dead souls") to amass wealth and social status. Through his encounters, Gogol paints a darkly comic portrait of provincial greed, corruption, and moral decay.
Taras Bulba:
A historical novella about Taras Bulba, a fierce Cossack warrior, and his two sons. Loyalty, honor, and betrayal shape their fates as they battle Polish forces. It’s a stirring tale of patriotism and tragic family conflict.
The Calash:
A short, humorous story where a military officer boasts about his elegant calash (carriage) but faces embarrassment when reality falls short of expectations, highlighting human vanity.