Question

Read the statement below. Then decide whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Be prepared to support your opinion with details from the story. Here's your discussion prompt: In Gogol's "The Nose," the loss of a nose symbolizes the loss of power.

Answer 1

Answer:

Yes, I agree with the statement that the loss of Major Kovalyov's nose symbolizes the loss of power in the person.

Explanation:

Nikolai Gogol's satirical story "The Nose" that tells the story around an official in the Russian government who lost his nose. And along with that loss of the physical facial feature, he seemed to have lost his self-esteem and did things that seemed unbecoming of a government official.

In the story, the loss of the nose not only represents the literal loss of the facial feature. It also represents the literal loss of power or authority in the person. Collegiate Assessor Kovalyov was proud of his achievement and would refer to himself as "Major" just to show his power, "to make himself sound more important and to give more weight to his status". Thus, it is evident that power and status means a lot to him. So, when he realized his nose had disappeared and resurfaced as some official higher than him in position, he was flabbergasted. He even approached the nose at the church and demanded to know "where you belong? And where do I find you? In church, of all places!". He had previously guessed the position of the nose as perhaps "a state councilor" but that did not deter him from reproachfully ordering him to return his nose.

So, when the nose refused to return, he felt smaller and in "absolute despair". He even stated his position of "major" to the nose, in a bid to give authenticity to his claim. His common demeanor of telling people to 'ask for Major Kovalyov' to get something or approaching beautiful ladies all changed after the loss of the nose. Now, he felt powerless and unable to do anything, not even depend on his 'title' to get his own personal property-the nose, back. He was even reluctant to face the "slim girl [whose] cheeks flushed with the colour of the first rose of spring." He did not have any courage to approach or behave as he normally would have been, confident and powerful. And when he was asked his name at the advertising agency, he refused to reveal his name which he used to proudly proclaim to everyone.

And once the nose was returned, he felt a sense of joy that was so "intense" and regained his previous personality/ character of the 'powerful' and 'dashing' Major. Thus, I agree with the statement that the loss of the nose symbolizes the loss of power in the character of Major Kovalyov.