"Diary of a Madman" is a short story written by Nikolai Gogol, first published in 1835. It follows the life of Aksenty Ivanovich Poprishchin, a low-ranking government clerk who descends into madness. The narrative is presented as a diary, revealing his thoughts and experiences as he becomes increasingly obsessed with a woman and believes he is the rightful heir to the Spanish throne. The story explores themes of social isolation, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the fragility of sanity. Through Gogol's use of dark humor and vivid imagery, readers gain insight into the struggles of a man trapped in a rigid social structure, ultimately leading to his psychological breakdown.