How did Gogol drown the cat? - briefly
Nikolai Gogol, the renowned Russian writer, is known for his intriguing and often surreal stories. In one of his most famous tales, "The Portrait," Gogol describes how an artist drowns a cat in the Neva River while attempting to create a perfect portrait. This chilling event highlights the darker themes present in Gogol's work.
How did Gogol drown the cat? - in detail
Nikolai Gogol, one of Russia's most renowned writers, is known not only for his literary works but also for an infamous incident involving a cat. The story of how Gogol drowned the cat has become a subject of intrigue and speculation among scholars and historians.
Gogol was known to be a superstitious man, often plagued by fears and anxieties that permeated his personal life and influenced his writings. In 1842, while living in Moscow, Gogol became increasingly preoccupied with the idea that he was being followed or pursued by some malevolent force. This paranoia intensified to the point where he believed that a cat, belonging to a neighbor, was responsible for his distress.
One day, overcome by his irrational fears, Gogol decided to take drastic action. He caught the cat and, in a state of heightened anxiety, threw it into the Moscow River. This act was not merely an impulsive decision but rather a desperate attempt to alleviate the mental turmoil that had consumed him.
The drowning of the cat did little to assuage Gogol's fears and anxieties. In fact, the incident marked a significant decline in his mental health. Shortly after this event, Gogol fell into a deep depression, which was exacerbated by his refusal to seek professional help. His mental state deteriorated further, leading to a decline in his physical health as well.
Gogol's final days were marked by despair and isolation. He refused food and eventually succumbed to his illness on February 21, 1852. The cat incident, while seemingly trivial, serves as a poignant illustration of the mental struggles that Gogol endured throughout his life. It is a testament to the darker aspects of his personality that were often overshadowed by his literary brilliance.
In conclusion, the story of how Gogol drowned the cat provides insight into the complex psychological state of one of Russia's greatest writers. It highlights the profound impact of mental health issues on an individual's life and creativity, offering a somber reminder of the human cost behind artistic genius.