The Government Inspector – by Nikolai V. Gogol

The Government Inspector (also known as The Inspector General) is a classic satirical play by Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol, first performed in 1836. Set in a small corrupt Russian town, the play follows the chaos that ensues when local officials learn that a government inspector is coming in disguise to audit their affairs. In a panic, they mistake a penniless traveler, Khlestakov, for the inspector and shower him with bribes, favors, and praise—only to face shocking consequences later.

This timeless comedy uses humor, irony, and absurdity to expose corruption, incompetence, and hypocrisy in public institutions. Gogol’s work remains relevant today for its sharp critique of bureaucratic systems and human foolishness.