Question

How does Nikolai Gogol help readers achieve a suspension of disbelief in "The Nose"?

A. By setting the story in a supernatural place and allowing the nose to be the most realistic element
B. By describing the nose using words or phrases that suggest a sense of the magical
C. By using ordinary language to describe the events surrounding the nose's disappearance
D. By focusing on the magical and supernatural elements associated with the nose

Answer 1

Nikolai Gogol achieves a suspension of disbelief in 'The Nose' by using ordinary language to describe the extraordinary events, making the bizarre seem plausible.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nikolai Gogol employs a unique approach in The Nose to help readers achieve a suspension of disbelief. The correct answer to how Gogol aids in suspending disbelief is C. By using ordinary language to describe the events surrounding the nose's disappearance. Gogol blends absurdity with familiar and mundane details of everyday life. This juxtaposition between the fantastical element of the story, a nose taking on a life of its own, and the ordinary depiction of St. Petersburg society grounds the narrative, making the impossible seem almost plausible. Gogol’s technique involves using straightforward narration and realistic dialogue which makes the bizarre events of the story seem familiar and less otherworldly to the reader, thus aiding in the suspension of disbelief.

Answer 2

How does Nikolai Gogol help readers achieve a suspension of disbelief in "The Nose"?

C. By using ordinary language to describe the events surrounding the nose's disappearance

I arrived at this answer after reading a portion o f the story involving the disappearance of the nose.

"But, to his unbounded astonishment, there was only a flat patch on his face where the nose should have been! Greatly alarmed, he got some water, washed, and rubbed his eyes hard with the towel. Yes, the nose indeed was gone! He prodded the spot with a hand—pinched himself to make sure that he was not still asleep. But no; he was not still sleeping. Then he leapt from the bed, and shook himself. No nose! Finally, he got his clothes on, and hurried to the office of the Police Commissioner."

In the above quote, ordinary language was used. It would seem as though losing a nose is no big deal for the character. Instead, he is more concerned of going to the office. His reaction is quite unbelievable.