Part 1: Chapters 1-3

[Thomas]

It's curious that if Chichikov is running a con that he is trying to acquire something -- souls -- that obstensibly have no value. We don't know yet, from the text, what exactly he intends to do with these souls, but we do know that they are of no monetary value. Chichikov is actually relieving the owners of a financial burden, the tax owners must continue to pay even after the "soul" is dead. He's doing them a favor, which is a weird sort of con.

I think the reason why Gogol doesn't tell us what Chichikov plans to do with the souls is that it raises an important question for the reader: What is the value of a soul?

[Sam]

Exactly. It is highly suspicious what value they could be for him. It must be some trickery. My suspicion is the suspense. What is up his sleeve? Gotta be a con.
BTW I have not given in to the idea that Gogol uses "soul" with a double meaning. The historical argument convinces me; it IS the text. That still does allow the question of what is the value of a dead serf, but it is less primary, well because the answer is given: nothing. It is not for that Chicherov is playing.
Then again, maybe not.

[Susan]

I’m finding Dead Souls laugh out loud funny, at least as read by Allan Corduner. And I’m enjoying the contrast between the different landowners — from Manilov who just gives Chichikov his “dead souls”, no questions asked to Korobochka, who is quite sceptical of this strange transaction. I shared Kathy’s perspective that Korobochka’s reaction was not out of line, maybe because I’m wondering too—What is Chichikov up to? I feel like I should start a running total of his purchases ;).

[Kerstin]

I'm limping way behind here... The slapstick is hilarious!
I have an inkling of what "dead souls" might mean, but I'll have to read further to see if it pans out, lol.

[Sam]

Keep agoin'