Christmas Eve

Nikolai Gogol

May 2024 · The Complete Works of Gogol Book 4 · Imperial Press

About this ebook

Set in Dikanka on a snowbound Christmas Eve, this story blends whimsy and satire as the blacksmith Vakula quests to win his beloved Oksana by retrieving the Tsarina’s slippers—a task complicated by a mischievous devil stealing the moon. Gogol juxtaposes folk magic with biting social commentary: the devil’s antics parody human vanity, while Vakula’s journey to St. Petersburg exposes provincial awe of imperial grandeur. The tale’s exuberant tone masks a critique of power dynamics, contrasting rural simplicity with urban artifice. Later adapted into Tchaikovsky’s opera Cherevichki, its dual engagement with folklore and institutional satire positions it as a bridge between Gogol’s early romanticism and his later Petersburg tales. Unlike Dostoevsky’s metaphysical anguish, Gogol’s humor here remains buoyant, though shadowed by an awareness of societal delusions. Published in "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka," this winter tale exemplifies Gogol's early stylistic fusion of Ukrainian folklore, Christian symbolism, and satirical elements. Set in the Dikanka village on Christmas Eve, the narrative follows the blacksmith Vakula's fantastic journey—riding the devil to St. Petersburg—to obtain the Empress Catherine's slippers for his beloved Oksana. Gogol's narrative virtuosity emerges through his atmospheric contrasts between the intimate Ukrainian village and the alienating imperial capital, creating a text that simultaneously celebrates Ukrainian cultural vitality while acknowledging its peripheral status within Russian imperial structures. This work demonstrates Gogol's characteristic oscillation between realistic detail and fantastical elements—a narrative technique that would influence Russian literature's subsequent exploration of the fantastic, most notably in works like Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita." Unlike Dostoevsky, who would later employ the fantastic to explore psychological states, or Tolstoy, who largely rejected supernatural elements, Gogol creates a narrative universe where magical occurrences serve both symbolic and structural functions without requiring psychological justification. Literary scholars have noted how the text's juxtaposition of folk culture against imperial power established a pattern of cultural critique through seemingly apolitical folklore that would continue to characterize Russian literary treatments of center-periphery relations throughout the nineteenth century, though few would match Gogol's distinctive combination of humor, ethnographic detail, and narrative agility. Set in the Ukrainian village of Dikanka on the night before Christmas, this enchanting tale opens with the devil himself stealing the moon in a fit of pique against the local blacksmith, Vakula, who has a habit of painting unflattering depictions of him. This mischievous act throws the village into darkness, complicating the romantic pursuits of Vakula, who is desperately trying to win the heart of the beautiful but capricious Oksana. Oksana, amused by Vakula's ardent affections, playfully demands that he bring her the Tsaritsa's slippers if he wishes for her hand in marriage, a seemingly impossible task for a simple blacksmith. Undeterred, Vakula embarks on a fantastical journey, cleverly tricking the devil into carrying him to St. Petersburg, the opulent capital of the Russian Empire. Amidst the grandeur and unfamiliar sights of the city, Vakula encounters Zaporozhian Cossacks who assist him in gaining an audience with the Empress Catherine the Great, ultimately securing the coveted slippers and setting the stage for his triumphant return to Dikanka. This story beautifully blends Ukrainian folklore with lighthearted humor, showcasing Gogol's early mastery of weaving together the mundane and the magical within a vibrant cultural setting, making it a beloved holiday read to this day . Upon his return to Dikanka, Vakula's unexpected acquisition of the Tsaritsa's slippers astounds Oksana, but more importantly, his bravery and determination finally win her genuine affection, leading to a joyous Christmas wedding. The story concludes on a heartwarming note, depicting the blacksmith's house adorned with beautiful paintings, including one of the devil being cast into hell, which becomes a local attraction for villagers who gleefully mock the defeated evil spirit. Gogol's "Christmas Eve" not only entertains with its whimsical plot and vivid characters but also subtly highlights the triumph of good over evil and the power of love and perseverance in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The narrative is rich with details of Ukrainian traditions, such as caroling and festive foods, offering readers a glimpse into the cultural richness of Gogol's homeland . This tale's enduring popularity is evident in its numerous adaptations into films and operas, solidifying its place as a cherished part of both Ukrainian and Russian holiday literature . This modern edition features a contemporary translation, making his Surrealist and existential literature accessible to readers, and enhanced by an illuminating afterword that focuses on Gogol's relationship with Dostevsky, Tolstoy and Turgenev and his influence of Kafka and other surrealist/ absurdist writers, a concise biography, a glossary of essential philosophical terms integral to his writings, and a detailed chronology of his life and major works. This robust reader's edition introduces readers to the brilliance of Gogol's literature and the context in which he wrote.

About the author

Nikolai Gogol, a pivotal figure in Russian literature, occupies a complex position due to his Ukrainian birth and heritage. Born in Ukraine, his early life and cultural background profoundly shaped his initial literary endeavors, most notably his collection of short stories, "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka". This connection to his Ukrainian roots distinguishes him within the landscape of Russian literature, and the interplay between his Ukrainian identity and his writing in Russian became a recurring subject in discussions surrounding his works. Before achieving widespread recognition, Gogol faced initial literary setbacks.