Do you think Part One of Dead Souls could have stood alone by itself as a book?

How do you think your interpretation of the novel might change if you were to read a different translation of the book?

Is Gogol successful in his attempt at satire? Why or why not?

Do you think the character of the narrator is necessary? Why or Why not?

Is the narrator effective in giving a realistic view of Tchitchikov? Do you think he is unbiased? Was the purpose of the narrator, not only to narrate the story, but to act as another Russian nobleman, hiding the faults of his people, country and government?

Do you think "hero" is the correct description of Tchitchikov in the novel?

Why do you think the narrator is missing from Part Two of the book? Do you think the reader is able...