An outstanding Russian literary historian of the twentieth century began his article on Gogol with the words “Gogol was a liar.” And indeed, Gogol, who was born on April 1 two hundred years ago, loved to mislead relatives, friends and admirers, invented or presented in a completely fantastic way the facts of his biography, surrounded his life and works with an atmosphere of mystery, and in answer to the question “Why?” responded simply “for a reason.” The mystery in which the author enveloped himself was not so much a romantic mask as a hint at his belief in his own unique and inscrutable role in Russian history. In this course, we will explore Gogol’s peculiar narrative strategies and mysterious mind-set as presented in his major works, from his earlier Romantic tales to his late edifying epistles. We will focus on Gogol’s short stories and comedies, considering them within the broad literary and cultural contexts of Gogol’s era. Students will write two one-page response papers and two term essays (6-7 pages each).