Part One: Chapter 8 (page 156- 180) Summary

It does not take long for word to reach the rest of the town about Tchitchikov 's purchase. Soon, everyone is talking about it. Tchitchikov has gained much respect in many circles. While he was well liked before, many people now suspect he is a millionaire. This works in Tchitchikov's favor because he seems to be moving up in society.

The narrator interrupts the story to speak about the women of N. He says they are very beautiful, well dressed and sophisticated. They are also materialistic, petty, gossipy and opinionated. The narrator makes a point to have the reader understand that the woman of the town often determine the social worthiness of someone. The woman are so petty that if one woman does not return another's invitation, they would become enemies for life. Luckily for...