Marxism In The Overcoat

Marxism is a set of values that are set for a society. A big part of it is the social classes. Social classes are mostly based on a person’s occupation status and the pay they receive. The lower social class is known as the proletariat and the upper social class is known as the bourgeoisie. These elements are seen in many pieces of literature. Nikolai Gogol’s "The Overcoat" demonstrates Marxism through clashing social classes, the importance of material items, and unequal pay. One important factor to "The Overcoat" is the clashing social classes. Akaky Akakyevitch, the main character, is part of the proletariat. He works as a copier which is not a great occupation but he loves it. Michael Sonkowsky, the writer of the article “An overview of

With "The Overcoat" on, Akaky receives more attention. His material item makes him look like he is on a higher social class. The article “An overview of ‘The Overcoat,’” states “The new overcoat seems to transform Akaky and win acceptance for him amongst his co-workers” (Sonkowsky). Material items can really change a person’s perception of another person. In Akaky’s case, his overcoat is an important material item because it makes him look like he is part of a higher social status. Material items are an important value in their society. In the end when Akaky comes back he wants to get a little revenge on the Person of Consequence for not helping him when he was robbed of his overcoat. Akaky is speaking as a ghost: “It 's your overcoat I want, you refused to help me and abused me into the bargain! So now give me yours!” (Gogol 17). Since material items are so important, Akaky decides to take back one from the Person of Consequence. The only reason Akaky was treated like higher status was because of "The Overcoat". Now that it was gone he was treated unfairly again. Material items are important because they can contribute to how a person is