THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR MAIN THEMES:

Corruption- Gogol comments on corruption and how widespread it is. He does this by demonstrating how a representative from every class partakes in corruption of some sort: The Mayor (upper classes) is corrupt as shown through his attempts to deceive the inspector and his boasting of fooling every other inspector. Bobchinksy & Dobchinksy (lower classes) help the mayor hoodwink the so-called inspector MoralityDeception- Deception is practised by majority of the characters in the play (Mayor, Judge, Warden, Anna, Marya etc.). This goes hand in hand with corruption. Miscommunication-

ACT ONE QUOTES

Quotes Mayor: You know, I had a premonition: The whole of last night I kept dreaming about two extraordinary rats huge, black, things, monsters. They came up and started sniffing around, then cleared off Judge: I tell people quite openly that I accept bribes, but what sort of bribes, eh? Greyhound pups, thats all Mayor: Theres nobody who hasnt got some sin to answer thats how the good Lord made us Mayor: You dont believe in God, for a start. And you never go to church. At least Ive still got my faith, and go to church every Sunday Judge: Exactly what I said. Great minds think alike. Mayor: Yes, and fools seldom differ

Analysis Example of symbolism- the black rats could either represent Khlestakov and the Mayor, illustrating how they are both corrupt; they could alternatively represent Khlestakov and the actual government inspector, foreshadowing the fact there will be two The Judge is symbolic of the towns skewed notion of justice and how the openly corrupt judge highlights the internalisation of corruption Illustrates how the mayor accepts corruption as normal and acceptable. Ironic as the judge is claiming to be more righteous than the judge because he goes to church however it is clear to the audience that he is just as, if not more, than the judge.

GENERAL
The tone of the first act is very frenzied as they have just discovered that an inspector will be coming. Corruption is immediately touched on by the way in which the mayor plots to fool the inspector. Morality is also seen- despite being married Anna is intensely interested in the new inspector also the lack of scruples that the characters have with fooling the inspector. The female characters are similar to Earnest in their triviality and shallowness, Anna: Does he have a moustache?

Another point to notice is that the satire used. This is similar to Earnest and Pygmalion. The playwrights exaggerate characters and actions (Algernon, Higgins, Eliza etc.) which creates heightened emotion and helps bring about humour through the ridiculousness. This allows the playwrights to subtly comment on society/upper classes etc.

ACT TWO QUOTES

Quotes Khlestakov: (aside) Oh my God, hes furious! Mayor: (aside) Oh, this is a crafty devil! You can see what hes after, but what a smokescreen he puts up, you can barely figure him out Well, Ill put him to the test. [stage direction] Bobchinsky peeps round the door, straining to listen Khlestakov: I can't abide two-faced people either

Analysis The use of asides is used throughout the play to demonstrate miscommunication- they allow the audience to be privy to the thoughts of the Mayor Dramatic Irony- Audience knows that Mayor is deluded This demonstrates the spread of misinformation and miscommunication as Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky relay the occurrences to others. Ironic as later in the play Khlestakov pretends to be someone that he is not- he acts two-faced himself.

GENERAL
The main purpose of this act is to establish the characters. Khlestakov is shown to be a pompous, showy type of person who has the air of fortune however he is really quite poor in reality. This links in with the idea of miscommunication. The Mayor and Khlestakov are both assuming something different when they first meet which causes confusion to arise. Another thing to note is that the mayor gives Khlestakov what he says is 200 roubles but it is actually 400 roubles. This demonstrates not only corruption but deception in corruption as well. Dramatic Irony is very important and easy to recognise in this act

ACT THREE QUOTES

Quotes Khlestakov: Yes I do enjoy eating. After all, what's life for, but to graze among pleasure's blooms? Analysis Food Motif (shared with Earnest). Highlights selfishness and greediness. Very similar to Algernon I hate people who arent serious about food, it is so shallow of them Deception. In an aside the warden (I think!) reveals that the mayor plays cards all the time.

Mayor: we haven't any clubs of that sort, wouldn't of them. I've never picked up a cord in my life, wouldn't even know how to play. I can't bear to look at them.

GENERAL
In this act Khlestakov is introduced to Marya and Anna argue over who Khlestakov was flirting with (Morality) despite Anna being married. Khlestakov realizes that they think he some sort of government official and creates an elaborate story as to his life in St Petersburg while slightly drunk. His made up history frightens the mayor.

ACT FOUR QUOTES

Quotes Osip: They're treating you like royaltyit's obvious they've mistaken you for someone else Khlestakov: I do enjoy hospitality, and all the more so when its out of peoples hearts, and not some ulterior motive Khlestakov : Why don't you give me a loan of this? Khlestakov: Got any money on you?

Analysis This is important as it is the first time that it is acknowledged that there is a case of mistaken identity. Dramatic Irony- the audience are aware that it is certainly not out of the goodness of their hearts that the townspeople give Khlestakov special treatment Khlestakov attempts to take money loans from every one. Each scene is similar in the way that the characters act (scared) and how Khlestakov takes money from each one. This shows how corruption is occurs again and again

GENERAL
The important part of this act is the similarity in the scenes between the characters interaction with Khlestkov and his declaration of love to both the mother and daughter (deception). The Mayors actions are also shown to be disliked by the shopkeepers and the townspeople as being cruel. Another thing to note is the increased ridiculousness in this act. Khlestakov leaves but not before sending a letter to his friend in St Petersburg regarding what has happened. Earlier in the play the postmaster admitted to opening and reading the mail (corruption/morality) so it is almost expected that the letter that Khlestakov sends will be read by him.

ACT FIVE QUOTES

Quotes Warden: It was if some sort of fog came down on us, the devil mustve lead us astray Mayor: so what are you laughing at, eh? You're laughing at yourselves that's what! Judge: how could this happen? How could we make such fools of ourselves?

Analysis Repetition of symbols (devil=Khlestakov, fog=deception) at the conclusion of the play Direct reference to the purpose of the play, social criticism- those that are laughing at the play are in a sense, laughing at themselves.