The Madman

"The Madman" is a short story by Nikolai Gogol that explores themes of societal hypocrisy and madness. It tells of a man who loudly proclaims that there is a tooth hidden in a village square, claiming it is evidence of widespread lie and corruption. His neighbors dismiss him as crazy, but he insists truth is concealed and demands honesty from society. The story highlights how madness can be a mirror to societal flaws, revealing that what appears insane may stem from true insight, and urging readers to examine their own superficial judgments.