Final answer:
Gogol's matter-of-fact tone in 'The Nose' aims to make the story's magical elements seem more realistic, blending the surreal with the mundane to engage the reader. The correct answer is option: A) To make the magical elements of the story seem more real to the reader
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason Gogol uses a matter-of-fact tone throughout much of The Nose is primarily A) To make the magical elements of the story seem more real to the reader. This stylistic choice creates a contrast between the absurdity of the story's events and the nonchalant manner in which they are reported, lending a surreal realism to the tale.
The straightforward tone makes the implausible plot - a man's nose detaching from his face and living its own life - feel more plausible and normal within the context of the story, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. This deliberate narrative approach forces the reader to reconcile the bizarre occurrences with the rational world, enhancing the surreal and whimsical qualities of the story.