The Government Inspector

When he enters, Anna criticizes Dobchinsky for his slowness. She demands to know what has happened with the inspector. Dobchinsky hands her a note from her husband, the Mayor. Anna quizzes Dobchinsky about the inspector, who Dobchinsky says seems to be dignified and refined. He is almost like a military general, Dobchinsky says, but the man is not a general. Though he was hard on the Mayor during the early stages of their conversation, things now seem to have improved: The inspector is being given a tour of the hospital.

Anna wants to know more. Dobchinsky says the inspector has a youthful appearance, even if his proper manner of speaking makes him seem more mature. When Anna reads the letter, she discovers that her husband has invited the supposed inspector for dinner. She issues an order to Mishka, the servant, to ready a room while placing an order for a large amount of wine for their “very special guest” (281).

Anna tells Maria that, since the inspector is from the cultural hub of St. Petersburg, they will need to dress properly. She recommends that Maria wear her blue dress, though Maria disagrees. She favors her floral dress. This annoys Anna, who was planning to wear a floral pattern herself. A floral pattern needs darker eyes, Maria says provocatively to her mother. Anna claims to have dark eyes, telling Maria that she is talking nonsense.

Mishka brings Osip into the house, instructing him where to place Khlestakov’s things. When he inquires after Osip’s master, Osip remains tightlipped. Rather than discuss Khlestakov, he raises a question about the food.

As they tour through the city, Khlestakov marvels at the fine institutions. The constables open doors for him as he praises the Mayor, the Warden of Charities, and the Inspector of Schools for their work. He also credits Dobchinsky and Bobchinsky. The Mayor proudly praises his town for spending on important institutions rather than meaningless shiny objects. When Khlestakov mentions how few people there seemed to be in the hospital, the Warden of Charities says that they have been “recovering like flies” (283).

The Mayor lists his responsibilities. He leads a busy life, he tells Khlestakov. Nevertheless, the running of the town is smooth at this time. He praises himself for being unlike other mayors, who he says try to line their own pockets rather than help their citizens. He has always prioritized morality, cleanliness, and order. He also suggests that he is modest and humble, insisting that the happiness of his supporters is worth more than any honors.

Khlestakov asks about any card games which may take place in the town. Worried that this is a trick, the Mayor insists that there is none of “that sort of thing” (284) in the town. The Judge, meanwhile, rolls his eyes. The Mayor gambled with him the night before. Amused, Khlestakov mentions his fondness for cards and gambling.

Khlestakov is introduced to Anna and Maria by the Mayor. Khlestakov showers them with compliments and peppers his speech with snippets of French, while also repeatedly mentioning his love for his hometown of St. Petersburg. He insists that he is an important person in the Russian capital. Khlestakov lists among his acquaintances “pretty actresses” (286). He claims to have written important pieces of literature and thrown many lavish parties in his luxurious home. Khlestakov claims to be a part of the St. Petersburg elite and says that he has been charged with very important jobs, as he is known to be a very capable person.

The fine wine makes him very talkative. When he makes a comment about how his presence ensures that people are on their best behavior, the other guests are struck with concern. Khlestakov reiterates his importance and hints that he has friends at the Royal Palace. When the Mayor asks whether Khlestakov would like to rest, he is keen to do so, as he seems to have become drunk.

Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky heap praise on Khlestakov. The Warden of Charities mentions to the Inspector of Schools that he is “terrified, simply terrified” (289).

Anna is quite taken with the “charming” (290) Khlestakov. She believes that he was looking at her with admiring glances. Maria disagrees. The admiring glances were directed toward her, she claims. Anna suggests that Khlestakov would only glance at Maria to be polite.

The Mayor speaks to Anna, suggesting that the inspector may have drunk too much wine. In doing so, Khlestakov may have exaggerated a number of key points. Most stories and claims have a dash of lies in them, he accepts. Anna is pleased with Khlestakov. She is struck by his cordial nature, as she was concerned that he would be an intimidating man. The Mayor reluctantly agrees; he is still concerned about the inspection. Khlestakov does not look like a government inspector, he suggests, but this may be a part of the disguise. While they were still at the inn, Khlestakov admitted that he was still new to his job as inspector. The Mayor congratulates himself on seeing through this elaborate disguise.

The Mayor and Anna summon Osip. They pepper him with questions about his boss. They want to know whether Khlestakov’s claims of mingling in high society are true and whether he really is a respected man around St. Petersburg. While Anna and Maria want to know about Khlestakov’s taste in women, the Mayor is more concerned with the man’s moral values than their “stupid questions” (292). Osip suggests that Khlestakov likes nothing more than “to be well looked after, and well entertained” (293). This pleases the Mayor, as he believes that he can satisfy Khlestakov’s desires. Osip quickly adds that Khlestakov also very much appreciates when his servant is treated well.

Now pleased, the Mayor dispatches Osip back to Khlestakov. He passes along the message that Khlestakov should consider everything in the house to be ready and available to him. With the servant gone, the Mayor turns to the two constables who have just arrived. He tells Derzhimorda and Svistunov to guard the door to Khlestakov’s room. They should not let anyone—especially “those damned shopkeepers” (294)—inside.