Think back to Gogol's annaprasan ceremony as a baby in which he was offered some soil, a pen, and a dollar bill to determine his future. Gogol chose none of them. Explain the significance of Gogol's lack of choice.

It meant that his future would not be that of a farmer, a writer or scholar, or a financier. There were still many things he could be: a politician, a doctor or lawyer, a construction worker (or owner), Just go through the yellow pages: there are many occupations open to him.