Revizor

Revizor is a satirical play by Nikolai Gogol, first published in 1836. The play centers on a provincial town in Russia that is thrown into a panic when rumors spread that a government inspector, or "revizor," is coming to make an unannounced visit. The corrupt officials, fearing exposure of their malfeasance, mistake a penniless young man, Ivan Aleksandrovich Khlestakov, for the inspector. Khlestakov, initially unaware of the misunderstanding, quickly embraces his newfound authority and proceeds to exploit the situation for his own gain, accepting bribes and indulging in their hospitality. The play culminates in Khlestakov's departure, after which the real inspector arrives, leading to a scene of collective shock and dismay. Revizor is renowned for its biting critique of bureaucratic corruption, incompetence, and the absurdities of Russian society. Gogol masterfully employs humor and exaggeration to expose the moral decay and self-deception prevalent among the characters. The play's enduring relevance lies in its timeless portrayal of human vanity, fear, and the consequences of unchecked power. It remains a cornerstone of Russian dramatic literature and is frequently performed worldwide.