What does the nose represent in the nose by gogol?

The "nose" in the story symbolizes masculinity and social prominence based on how the main character the Collegiate Assessor Kovalev reacts as he loses and retrieves it.

It can be said that Kovalyov equates the loss of his nose with castration, emasculation, and impotence to a certain degree. His nose serves as a symbol of his own snobbery and pretentious attitude ... The loss of his nose represents a loss of his identity.