Mantel

Published in 1842, 'Mantel' (or 'The Overcoat') is a short story by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol that follows Akakij Akakijewitsch, a dedicated clerk whose life revolves around his work as a copyist. His mundane existence is transformed when he decides to purchase a new overcoat, leading to significant changes in his social status and self-perception. The story is notable for its exploration of themes such as identity, social class, and the absurdity of bureaucracy, making it a critical work in Russian literature.