In Vladimir Nabokov's "The Real Life of Sebastian Knight," the narrator reflects on the peculiar and enigmatic nature of his experiences, drawing a parallel to Chichikov's strange encounters in Gogol's "Dead Souls." This comparison highlights the surreal and often absurd quality of human interactions as seen through the lens of literature.

The mention of Chichikov serves to underscore themes of identity and the search for meaning, as both works delve into the complexities of existence and the often illusory nature of reality. Just as Chichikov navigates bizarre social landscapes, the narrator's journey through Sebastian Knight's life mirrors this exploration of the peculiar dynamics between individuals.