Khlestakov Character Analysis in The Government Inspector

Ivan Aleksandrovich Khlestakov is a low-ranking government official who lives in St. Petersburg. Around 23 years old, he’s slim and fashionably dressed. He’s sincere but not very intelligent, and he often speaks and acts without thinking. Khlestakov is also irresponsible and self-indulgent, with a weakness for good food, cigars, and women. His selfish pleasure-seeking leads him and his servant Osip to be stranded without travel funds in the provincial Russian town in which the play takes place. Seeing Khlestakov at the inn, town residents Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky assume he is a government inspector. When the town officials begin to bribe him so that he won’t report their corruption to higher authorities, Khlestakov happily accepts their generosity. Unknowingly, Khlestakov confirms the officials’ false belief that he’s the inspector by exaggerating his rank and status, which he does simply because he wants their admiration. He flirts with both Anna Andreyevna, the mayor’s wife, and Marya Antonovna, the mayor’s daughter, and he even becomes engaged to Marya. Before he leaves, Khlestakov finally realizes that the town officials have mistaken him for someone more important than he is, and he laughs at their foolishness.

Khlestakov Quotes in The Government Inspector

The The Government Inspector quotes below are all either spoken by Khlestakov or refer to Khlestakov. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

You watch it! You can’t pull the wool over my eyes. What did you do to that draper Chernayev, eh? He gave you two yards of cloth for a new uniform and you swiped the whole roll! You watch out! You’re taking bribes above your rank!

Related Characters: The Mayor (speaker), The Judge, Svistunov, Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 231

Explanation and Analysis:

While the mayor prepares to meet Khlestakov, the supposed government inspector, he orders the constable Svistunov to help clean up the town. As he does so, he also admonishes Svistunov for stealing a “whole roll” of cloth from a townsperson. The mayor’s reproach reveals that the town’s police are also corrupt. Like the town officials—such as the mayor and the judge—the constables also abuse their authority by stealing and taking bribes. However, the mayor isn’t angry simply because Svistunov accepted a bribe. Rather, the mayor is upset that Svistunov is taking bribes “above [his] rank.” First, these words suggest that Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatu

But no: he has to show off in every town. “I say, Osip,” he tells me, “fish around and find me the best room and order a first-rate dinner—no inferior cooking for me, nothing but the best will do.” It wouldn’t be so bad if he really was a somebody, but he’s just a lousy little clerk.

Related Characters: Osip (speaker), Khlestakov

Related Symbols: Food

Page Number and Citation: 234

Explanation and Analysis:

Stranded at the inn in town, Osip complains about Khlestakov, his master. According to Osip, Khlestakov demands the highest luxuries even though he can hardly afford them. While traveling, he claims he needs to stay in “‘the best room’” and always eat “‘a first-rate dinner,’” because only “‘the best will do’” for him. Osip’s gripes demonstrate that Khlestakov is self-indulgent and pleasure-seeking. He greedily chases after comfort and satisfaction without thinking responsibly. Significantly, Khlestakov seems to desire good food in particular. Osip emphasizes that Khlestakov doesn’t want any “inferior cooking,” but only the best meals. For Khlestakov, food has special Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic

And I’m like you—I’ve no time for two-faced people. I find your frankness and cordiality most gratifying. I do confess that I ask for nothing more out of life than devotion and respect, respect and devotion.

Related Characters: Khlestakov (speaker), The Mayor

Page Number and Citation: 245-246

Explanation and Analysis:

After the mayor invites Khlestakov to stay in his home, Khlestakov accepts gratefully and compliments the mayor’s sincerity. The irony of Khlestakov’s words is striking. Khlestakov claims he has “no time for two-faced people” without knowing how dishonest the mayor actually is. The mayor is lying to Khlestakov about not only his magnanimous spirit but also the reason for his generosity. The mayor’s hospitality isn’t motivated by “frankness” or “cordiality,” as Khlestakov believes, but instead by an ulterior motive. Through bribery, the mayor intends to win Khlestakov’s favor so that Khlestakov—as the supposed government inspector—won’t report the mayor’s corruption to Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic tempore laborum. Nisi quia ea. Quia soluta itaque. Deleniti nisi earum. Ad tenetur laboriosam. Eum accusamus harum. Accusantium iusto voluptas. Totam quae corporis. Impedit non ut. Inc

No, not a general, but he’s as good as one. So cultured, so dignified.

Related Characters: Dobchinsky (speaker), Khlestakov, Anna Andreyevna, Marya Antonovna, The Mayor

Page Number and Citation: 250

Explanation and Analysis:

After he returns to the mayor’s house from the inn, Dobchinsky answers Anna Andreyevna’s insistent questions about the supposed government inspector. By his description, Dobchinsky seems quite awed by Khlestakov. Dobchinsky says that Khlestakov isn’t as high-ranking as a general but is still “as good as one.” This means that Dobchinsky perceives Khlestakov as having the same gravitas as a very powerful, high-status member of the civil service. Additionally, Khlestakov appears “[so] cultured, so dignified” to Dobchinsky. In Dobchinsky’s mind, then, Khlestakov is a greatly impressive and intimidating man, and Dobchinsky spreads this impression of Khlestakov to Anna Andreyevna and Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic tempore laborum. Nisi quia ea. Quia soluta itaque. Deleniti nisi earum. Ad tenetur laboriosam. Eum accusamus harum. Accusantium iusto voluptas. Totam quae corporis. Impedit non ut. Incidunt rerum est. Aperiam doloremque eum. Animi soluta perspiciatis. Ut minima autem. Modi omnis iure. Sint qui qui.

Now, Mashenka, we have to decide what to wear. He’s a Petersburg man-about-town, so I hope he won’t laugh at us.

Related Characters: Anna Andreyevna (speaker), Marya Antonovna, The Mayor, Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 252

Explanation and Analysis:

After she learns that Khlestakov will be staying in the mayor’s house, Anna Andreyevna immediately wonders how she can impress the man she believes is the government inspector. Specifically, Anna is concerned about “what to wear.” Her focus on clothes and appearances underscores her vanity, shallowness, and self-centeredness. She also wants her daughter, Marya Antonovna, to look her best so Khlestakov “won’t laugh at” them. This fear of derision suggests that Anna desires Khlestakov’s acceptance, or approval. She wants to be admired and respected by other people. Like many other characters in the play, Anna displays a need for external Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Volu

I’m mad about good food. But what else is life for except to pluck the blossoms of pleasure…

Related Characters: Khlestakov (speaker)

Related Symbols: Food

Page Number and Citation: 254

Explanation and Analysis:

After eating lunch at the charity hospital with some of the town officials, Khlestakov muses about how delicious the food was. He also expresses how significant food is to him in general, saying, “I’m mad about good food.” Furthermore, he reveals that in his mind food and pleasure are inextricably linked. When he says, “what else is life for except to pluck the blossoms of pleasure,” Khlestakov implies that the entire purpose of living is to experience pleasure—and, more specifically, to eat good food. This flowery statement indicates that Khlestakov is motivated wholly by his desire for pleasure, comfort, and Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis co

Once I was even taken for the Commander-in-Chief himself. The soldiers leapt out of the guardroom and presented arms. Afterwards an officer—a great friend of mine—told me: “Well, old man, we really did think you were the Commander-in-Chief!”

Related Characters: Khlestakov (speaker), The Mayor

Page Number and Citation: 257

Explanation and Analysis:

In front of the town officials and the mayor’s family, Khlestakov exaggerates about his life in St. Petersburg, claiming to be a far more important government official than he actually is. He pretends he was once mistaken “for the Commander-in-Chief himself,” someone much higher-ranking than him. Supposedly, Khlestakov made such a powerful impression that “soldiers leapt out of the guardroom” and “presented arms” to show their respect to him. Khlestakov implies that he’s so impressive that other people can’t help but honor him, even when he’s not trying to attract attention. This made-up story shows how much Khlestakov desires other Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic tempore laborum. Nisi quia ea. Quia soluta itaque. Deleniti nisi earum. Ad tenetur laboriosam. Eum accusamus harum. Accusantium iusto voluptas. Totam quae corporis. Impedit non ut. Incidunt rerum est. Aperiam doloremque eum. Animi soluta perspiciatis. Ut minima autem.

Well, the more I think about it…hell!…my head’s going round! I feel as if I were perched on top of a steeple or as if I had a noose round my neck.

Related Characters: The Mayor (speaker), Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 262

Explanation and Analysis:

After Khlestakov brags about his luxurious, high-status life in St. Petersburg, he exits to rest, leaving the frightened mayor to decide which of Khlestakov’s statements were true and which were fanciful, drunken exaggerations. The mayor has difficulty identifying the truth, and his head starts to spin, as he complains here: “Well, the more I think about it…hell!…my head’s going round!” The mayor’s conviction that Khlestakov must be the government inspector prevents him from recognizing that Khlestakov is, in fact, a low-ranking clerk whose self-aggrandizing boasts were all false. The mayor’s self-deception has powerfully disoriented him. The mayor emphasizes how dizzying Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic tempore laborum. Nisi quia ea. Quia soluta itaque. Deleniti nisi earum. Ad tenetur laboriosam. Eum accusamus harum. Accusantium iusto voluptas. Totam quae corporis. Impedit non ut. Incidunt rerum est. Aperiam doloremque eum. Animi soluta perspiciatis. Ut minima autem. Modi omnis i

The whole world’s gone topsy-turvy.

Related Characters: The Mayor (speaker), Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 262

Explanation and Analysis:

The mayor exclaims that the “whole world’s gone topsy-turvy” after he hears Khlestakov boast about how powerful and high-ranking he is. The mayor feels bewildered because he believes Khlestakov is as important as he exaggeratedly claims, even though Khlestakov looks ordinary and unimpressive on the outside. From the mayor’s perspective, it doesn’t make sense for Khlestakov to be so different from how he appears. Therefore, the perplexed mayor concludes that everything in the world has become the opposite of what it should be. The mayor’s confusion is humorous because the play’s audience understands that the mayor is mistaken. In fact, Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. P

This just isn’t how things are done in a well-ordered community […]. We should pay our respects one by one—tête-à-tête so to speak, behind closed doors, so no one sees or hears. That’s how things are done in a well-ordered society.

Related Characters: Warden of Charities (speaker), Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 267

Explanation and Analysis:

While the other town officials struggle to decide how to win Khlestakov’s favor, the Warden of Charities proposes they each meet individually with the supposed government inspector “behind closed doors, so no one sees or hears.” He justifies his idea by saying, “That’s how things are done in a well-ordered society.” According to the Warden of Charities, it’s good, orderly, and proper for governments to operate through sly, secretive, and underhanded means. In his view, bribes are perfectly acceptable. When he suggests they “pay [their] respects” to Khlestakov, he means that they should visit Khlestakov out of politeness but also Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et

After all, what does one really need? Only to be respected and genuinely liked.

Related Characters: Khlestakov (speaker), Postmaster

Page Number and Citation: 270

Explanation and Analysis:

During a one-on-one meeting with the postmaster, Khlestakov professes that the only thing anyone “really need[s]” is “to be respected and genuinely liked.” This declaration suggests that Khlestakov believes genuine respect and appreciation are most important—and, in fact, essential—in life. However, Khlestakov’s actions throughout the play demonstrate that he actually seeks attention and admiration beyond what he deserves. Khlestakov repeatedly tries to appear more impressive than he is to attract other people’s adoration. When Khlestakov exaggerates about who he is, he doesn’t make genuine connections. Instead, he gains outside approval based on a false premise. Additionally, Khlestakov takes advantage of Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a.

She’s quite a tasty dish too—not at all bad looking.

Related Characters: Khlestakov (speaker), The Mayor, Marya Antonovna, Anna Andreyevna

Related Symbols: Food

Page Number and Citation: 285

Explanation and Analysis:

While he enjoys the mayor’s hospitality, Khlestakov decides to take full advantage of his favorable circumstances and indulge his pleasure-seeking habits further. So, after Khlestakov flirts with the mayor’s daughter, Marya Antonovna, he decides to flirt with her mother Anna Andreyevna too. Khlestakov thinks Anna is “not at all bad looking,” which indicates that his interest in her is rather superficial and self-centered. Khlestakov shamelessly pursues Anna even though she’s married to the mayor and he’s already professed love to Marya. His unscrupulous advances toward both mother and daughter demonstrate that Khlestakov is irresponsible and frivolous when it comes to Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim ne

What a dunderhead you are! Even when everything’s been explained to you, you still don’t believe it!

Related Characters: Anna Andreyevna (speaker), The Mayor, Marya Antonovna, Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 288

Explanation and Analysis:

Anna Andreyevna becomes frustrated with her husband, the mayor, when he refuses to believe that Khlestakov wants to marry his daughter, even though she and Khlestakov both insist that it’s true. Anna calls her husband “a dunderhead” and exclaims, “Even when everything’s been explained to you, you still don’t believe it!” Anna’s words ring truer than she realizes. Throughout the play, the mayor consistently ignores the truth when it’s right in front of him. He does so most crucially in the case of Khlestakov’s identity. Even when Khlestakov truthfully explains who he is, the mayor doesn’t believe him and continues Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus

Fish! I suppose that’s all you can think of! But I do want to have the very best house in the Capital. There’ll be such an exquisite odour when you enter my boudoir that it will make you close your eyes! Oh, how wonderful!

Related Characters: Anna Andreyevna (speaker), The Mayor, Khlestakov, Marya Antonovna

Related Symbols: Food

Page Number and Citation: 293

Explanation and Analysis:

As soon as Anna Andreyevna and the mayor believe Khlestakov will marry their daughter, they assume this union will allow them to live extravagantly in St. Petersburg. Together, they fantasize about indulging in various luxuries. According to Anna, the mayor can only think about the kinds of fish he’ll be able to enjoy. The mayor’s wish for delicious fish demonstrates his greedy and simple-minded desire for material pleasures. In this way, food symbolizes greedy self-indulgence in pleasure, which the mayor frequently pursues. Anna criticizes her husband for his small-minded enthusiasm for fish, but she’s equally materialistic and pleasure oriented. She Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic tempore laborum. Nisi quia ea. Quia soluta itaque. Deleniti

What are you laughing at? You’re laughing at yourselves, that’s what!

Related Characters: The Mayor (speaker), Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 304

Explanation and Analysis:

After the mayor discovers that Khlestakov is only a nobody—not the visiting government inspector he feared—the mayor furiously rebukes himself for being stupid and gullible. In the middle of his tirade, the mayor suddenly exclaims, “What are you laughing at? You’re laughing at yourselves, that’s what!” This abrupt line is usually directed toward the audience. In this way, the mayor breaks the fourth wall, or the imaginary separation between actors on stage and a play’s viewers. When the mayor directly addresses the audience, he berates them for laughing at him. The mayor’s anger at being derided shows how much he Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic tempore laborum. Nisi quia ea. Quia soluta itaque. Deleniti nisi earum. Ad tenetur laboriosam. Eum accusamus harum. Accusantium iusto voluptas. Totam quae corporis. Impedit non ut. Incidunt rerum e

Yes, they say those whom the gods want to punish they first drive insane. Was there anything like a government inspector about that whippersnapper? Absolutely damn all. Not by a long chalk!

Related Characters: The Mayor (speaker), Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 305

Explanation and Analysis:

When the mayor realizes he has tricked himself into incorrectly believing Khlestakov is the government inspector, he reflects on his mistake. He says, “those whom the gods want to punish they first drive insane.” This means that his self-deception feels like insanity, which he must be suffering as godsent punishment for his crimes. With this declaration, the mayor expresses how powerfully self-deception distorted his sense of truth and reality—so much so that it feels as if he lost his sanity. Yet the mayor doesn’t deflect all blame for his own error of judgement onto “the gods” or his temporary insanity. Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic tempore laborum. Nisi quia ea. Quia soluta itaque. Deleniti nisi earum. Ad tenetur laborio

I can’t explain how it all came about, for the life of me. I feel as if a thick fog has blinded us. It’s the work of the devil!

Related Characters: Warden of Charities (speaker), Khlestakov

Page Number and Citation: 305

Explanation and Analysis:

After the town officials learn that Khlestakov wasn’t the government inspector after all, the Warden of Charities expresses shock that they were mistaken. He says he “can’t explain how it all came about,” and he feels “as if a thick fog has blinded” them. Here, the Warden of Charities articulates how bewildering and disorienting their self-deception has been. Not only did the officials believe an incorrupt assumption about Khlestakov, but they also lost sight of the truth in a deeper way. By doubling down on their mistaken perceptions of Khlestakov, the officials distorted reality for themselves, until the figurative “thick Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Molestiae earum eum. Libero sit beatae. At a deserunt. Sint aperiam consequatur. Minima porro perferendis. Sit neque odit. Tenetur qui dignissimos. Qui et ut. Voluptate labore corporis. Hic tempore laborum. Nisi quia ea. Quia soluta itaque. Deleniti nisi earum. Ad tenetur laboriosam. Eum accusamus harum. Accusantium iusto voluptas. Totam quae corporis. Impedit non ut. Incidunt rerum est. Aperiam doloremque eum. Animi soluta perspiciatis. Ut minima autem. Modi omnis iure. Sint qui qui. Qui similique praesentium. Ex consequatur magnam. Aliquid iste enim. Sequi aut maxime. Adipisci voluptate et. Voluptas suscipit alias. In et eveniet. Eaque et repellendus

Khlestakov Character Timeline in The Government Inspector

The timeline below shows where the character Khlestakov appears in The Government Inspector. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...from St. Petersburg there. Despite being on his way to Saratov province, this official named Khlestakov has been staying in the inn for two weeks. Bobchinsky declares that Khlestakov must be... (full context)

Greed, Selfishness, and Pleasure Theme Icon

Scene 1. In a room at the inn, Khlestakov’s servant Osip lies in bed and grumbles about how hungry he is. Khlestakov—who is nobody... (full context)

Scene 2. Khlestakov enters and rebukes Osip for lying in bed. Then he begs Osip to ask the... (full context)

Scene 3. Alone and starving, Khlestakov regrets losing all his money to an infantry captain in a game of cards, but... (full context)

Scene 4. Osip returns with a waiter. Khlestakov demands to have lunch so he can return to his important business. The waiter says... (full context)

Scene 5. Khlestakov wonders if he might have to sell some of his clothes. He fantasizes about driving... (full context)

Scene 6. Osip and the waiter return with a small lunch. Between mouthfuls, Khlestakov protests that the food is too meager and disgusting; nevertheless, he finishes it quickly. He... (full context)

Scene 7. Osip informs Khlestakov that the mayor is inquiring about him downstairs. Khlestakov panics, thinking that the mayor will... (full context)

Scene 8. The mayor and Khlestakov stare at each other in mutual terror. Finally, the mayor, believing that Khlestakov is the... (full context)

Reassured by the mayor’s “loan” and vows of generosity, Khlestakov speaks with the mayor readily and honestly. However, the mayor is convinced Khlestakov is a... (full context)

Scene 9. Khlestakov calls the waiter so he can pay his bill, but the mayor promises that the... (full context)

Scene 10. The mayor invites Khlestakov to inspect the local institutions. Khlestakov doesn’t understand why but accepts. On Khlestakov’s dining bill,... (full context)

...the mayor, and she asks what kind of man the government inspector is. Dobchinsky says Khlestakov is as good as a general—cultured, dignified, and intimidating. After inquiring about the inspector’s age... (full context)

Scene 4. Osip brings Khlestakov’s luggage into the mayor’s house, and Mishka asks him about his master. Osip answers that... (full context)

Scene 5. Khlestakov arrives at the mayor’s house, pleased by the local officials’ hospitality and the delicious lunch... (full context)

Scene 6. The mayor introduces his wife and daughter to Khlestakov, who compliments and flatters Anna Andreyevna. Khlestakov begins overstating his importance in the civil service.... (full context)

Scene 7. Bobchinsky declares he almost died of fright in Khlestakov’s presence. Bobchinsky thinks Khlestakov’s rank must be even higher than general. Nervously, the Warden of... (full context)

Scene 8. Anna Andreyevna and Marya Antonovna gush over Khlestakov’s charm and argue which one of them Khlestakov looked at the most. (full context)

Scene 9. The mayor hushes everyone so they don’t disturb Khlestakov. The mayor admits Khlestakov was very drunk and must have embellished some of his stories,... (full context)

Scene 10. Interrupting each other, Anna Andreyevna and the mayor question Osip about Khlestakov’s rank and personality. Osip answers vaguely so he doesn’t contradict their impression of Khlestakov as... (full context)

...house, the town officials try to get into formation so they can appear orderly before Khlestakov. They wonder how to bribe him without being too obvious. The Warden of Charities suggests... (full context)

Scene 2. Khlestakov wakes up with a headache. He’s eager to enjoy the mayor’s hospitality and expresses interest... (full context)

Scene 3. The judge enters nervously and introduces himself to Khlestakov. He becomes flustered and drops money on the floor. Khlestakov notices, and the judge fears... (full context)

Scene 4. Next, the postmaster introduces himself. During their conversation, Khlestakov says all anyone needs is to be “respected and genuinely liked.” Then Khlestakov asks for... (full context)

Scene 5. The Inspector of Schools is pushed into the room and introduces himself nervously. Khlestakov offers him a cigar, but the Inspector of Schools drops it out of fear. Khlestakov... (full context)

Scene 6. The Warden of Charities enters. Khlestakov compliments the lunch they ate at the charity hospital, confessing that good food is his... (full context)

Scene 7. Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky introduce themselves to Khlestakov. At once, Khlestakov asks for money, and they give him all 65 rubles they have.... (full context)

Scene 8. Alone, Khlestakov realizes now that the town officials have mistaken him for someone more important than he... (full context)

Scene 9. Osip urges Khlestakov to leave town while things are still going well for him. Khlestakov reluctantly agrees and... (full context)

Scene 10. Shopkeepers beg Khlestakov to save them from the mayor, who takes anything he wants from shops without paying... (full context)

Scene 11. The locksmith’s wife and the sergeant’s widow petition Khlestakov next. The locksmith’s wife complains that the mayor sent her husband to the army prematurely... (full context)

Scene 12. Khlestakov meets Marya Antonovna and begins flirting with her. Marya resists his compliments, but she asks... (full context)

...13. Anna Andreyevna walks in, shocked. She scolds her daughter and sends her away angrily. Khlestakov declares his love again, and Anna thinks he wants to propose to her daughter, but... (full context)

Scene 14. Marya Antonovna returns and is shocked to see Khlestakov kneeling before her mother. Anna Andreyevna chastises her tearful daughter. Then Khlestakov takes Marya’s hand... (full context)

Scene 15. The mayor implores Khlestakov not to ruin him, swearing that the shopkeepers are liars. Khlestakov doesn’t care about the... (full context)

Scene 16. Osip informs Khlestakov that the horses are ready for his departure. Khlestakov claims he’ll return tomorrow, borrows even... (full context)

Scene 1. The mayor and his wife celebrate their daughter’s engagement to Khlestakov, which they expect will also raise them to higher rank and status. The mayor believes... (full context)

...by a constable. The mayor curses them and calls them double-dealing crooks for complaining to Khlestakov about him. The shopkeepers accept guilt and entreat the mayor not to ruin them. The... (full context)

Scene 7. The Chief of Police congratulates the mayor. Anna Andreyevna recounts Khlestakov’s proposal as gentlemanly and beautiful, and she recalls compliments he supposedly gave her. The mayor’s... (full context)

Scene 8. The postmaster rushes in and declares that Khlestakov isn’t the government inspector at all. The postmaster has opened and read Khlestakov’s letter, fearing... (full context)

...are you laughing at? You’re laughing at yourselves, that’s what!” Then the mayor reflects that Khlestakov never really seemed like a government inspector and demands to know who first claimed he... (full context)

Khlestakov Character Analysis

Khlestakov Quotes in The Government Inspector

Act 1 Quotes

Act 2 Quotes

Act 3 Quotes

Act 4 Quotes

Act 5 Quotes

Khlestakov Character Timeline in The Government Inspector