It's a small book. Fairly simple in words. Extremely clear in concept. But when you read it, and simultaneously think what the hullabaloo is all about, you start reading the subtext. And then Gogol takes you to the world of interpretations of life as a concept. 
 Subtext, Undertone, Allegory and Euphemism galore. We all have one Akaky, one Petrovich and one Prominant Personage within us - Lost in the comfort of the known, married with a life that allows for a controlled experience and euphoria over a seemingly insignificant incident, and dripping with varying levels of self-concept. And then we get ourselves The Overcoat, or create one or ignore first and then crave for one; The Overcoat that is the alluring and aromatic actualization of an age-long affection towards an alliterating reverie. 
 Read it, you won't regret!