Compare the mayor and his wife's feelings towards Khlestakov.

The Mayor initially views Khlestakov's arrival as a hurdle. He is worried about the arrival of the government inspector, and beleives that Khlestakov's opinion will affect him personally. When he learns that Khlestakov has become engaged to his daughter, he is thrilled by the fact that their marriage will increase his own importance.

Anna, unlike her husband, is all about social gatherings, playing dress up, and indulging in flirtation..... with Khlestakov. In the end, however, she sees his engagement to Marya as a step toward the social world of St. Petersburg.