To me, the overcoat is representative of power. I presume that it was made simply because Akaky Akakievich's tailor knew he could get more money by saying the old one was not fixable. Here, control is demonstrated. When Akaky owns the jacket he becomes quickly accepted among his once rude comrades. After the jacket his stolen, he becomes powerless again which is obvious in his attempt to recover his overcoat. Finally, as a ghost, Akaky regains his power and steals the jacket of a man once more influential than him.