Food Symbol Analysis

In The Government Inspector, food is a recurring symbol of characters’ self-centered pursuits of pleasure. For Khlestakov, good food is all-important. Both he and Osip mention his love of good food numerous times. In fact, Khlestakov is initially characterized by his desire for food; during his first appearance on stage, he complains that he’s starving and begs for lunch. Beyond the simple need to eat, Khlestakov’s fixation on good food represents his pleasure-seeking tendencies overall. Just as he yearns to have ample delicious food without paying for it, Khlestakov seeks to live a life of comfort and ease while neglecting his duties. In other words, food stands symbolically for all of the pleasures Khlestakov self-indulgently chases instead of performing his responsibilities as a government official. Even Khlestakov’s attraction to women is likened to his appreciation of good food; when he admires Anna Andreyevna, he calls her a “tasty dish.” In this way, food signifies Khlestakov’s desire for pleasure, which motivates all his actions.

For the town officials, food especially symbolizes the greediness of their pursuits of pleasure. The mayor takes bribes in the form of food items—such as sugar—from shopkeepers, enhancing his own pleasure at townspeople’s expense. And the mayor is not the only town official who eats well while depriving other people of food. Most glaringly, the Warden of Charities serves Khlestakov “fine cuisine” at the charity hospital, even though his hospital patients are being fed only cabbage. This “splendid lunch” is selfish not only because the Warden of Charities gets to enjoy good food, but also because he uses the meal as a bribe to persuade Khlestakov against reporting him to the authorities. As this example demonstrates, the town officials’ enjoyment of good food signifies their harmful, self-serving greed as they strive to fulfill their own desires above all else.