The Master and Margarita | Mikhail Bulgakov | Cliff Note Books
The Master and Margarita is set in the Soviet Union during Joseph Stalin’s regime. The book is a complex blend of satire, magical realism, and historical commentary, combining two narratives in an inventive and subversive way.
Plot Summary:
The novel primarily unfolds through two interconnected plot lines:
The first narrative is set in Moscow during the 1930s, when the city was under the atheist Soviet regime. It begins when the Devil, disguised as a professor named Woland, arrives in the city with his retinue, which includes a talking black cat named Behemoth, a hitman, a vampire, and a clown. Woland and his group create chaos, exposing the greed, hypocrisy, and cowardice of the Soviet elite. Their antics culminate in a grand, magical show where they offer the audience material wealth, which then disappears, leaving the audience in disarray and scandal.
Among the Muscovites, there are two particularly significant characters: a frustrated and unpublished author referred to as the Master, and his devoted lover, Margarita. The Master, who has written a novel about Pontius Pilate (which forms the second narrative), has been driven to despair and insanity by the harsh criticism and censorship. Margarita, meanwhile, remains passionately loyal to the Master, and she is willing to go to great lengths to help him.
The second narrative is a historical drama set in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as Yeshua Ha-Notsri. This narrative is essentially a retelling of the Gospels from the perspective of Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator who presides over the trial of Yeshua. Unlike the biblical account, Pilate is portrayed as a sympathetic figure who is troubled by his role in Yeshua’s execution.
The two narratives intersect when Margarita, desperate to save the Master, makes a pact with Woland. She becomes a witch and hosts a lavish ball for the devil and his guests. As a reward for her service, Woland grants her a wish. Margarita uses it to free the Master from his despair. Woland, who turns out to be a somewhat fair arbiter of cosmic justice, also arranges for the Master and Margarita to spend eternity together in a peaceful, shadowy realm – a sort of purgatory where they can find solace from their earthly suffering.
In the end, Pilate is also granted peace. After being condemned to eternal wakefulness for his role in Yeshua’s death, he is released by Woland and allowed to join Yeshua in the afterlife, finally finding rest.
Themes and Significance:
“The Master and Margarita” is a critique of Soviet society, particularly the literary establishment and the government’s suppression of free thought and artistic expression. At the same time, it explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the nature of good and evil. The novel is notable for its rich symbolism and its blending of fantastical elements with historical and contemporary reality. Despite being banned during Bulgakov’s lifetime, it has since become a classic of Russian literature and is considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.
QUOTES
“Manuscripts don’t burn.”
This quote is one of the most famous from the book. The Master, who had burned his manuscript in a fit of despair, is amazed to find that Woland still has a copy. This quote symbolizes the enduring power of art and the written word.
“Yes, man is mortal, but that would be only half the trouble. The worst of it is that he’s sometimes unexpectedly mortal—there’s the trick!”
This quote is a commentary on the unpredictability and fragility of life, reflecting the uncertainty and fear prevalent in the Soviet Union during Bulgakov’s time.
“What would your good do if evil didn’t exist, and what would the earth look like if all the shadows disappeared?”
This quote reflects one of the key themes of the novel: the interdependence of good and evil. Without evil, good cannot exist; without shadows, there is no depth or substance.
“Everything will turn out right, the world is built on that.”
This quote reflects a sense of hope and the belief in the ultimate triumph of good over evil, despite the darkness and chaos that pervade the novel.
“But would you kindly ponder this question: What would your good do if evil didn’t exist, and what would the earth look like if all the shadows disappeared? After all, shadows are cast by things and people. Here is the shadow of my sword. But shadows also come from trees and living beings.”
This quote also reflects the theme of interdependence of good and evil, and the inherent duality of existence.
“Cowardice is the most terrible of vices.”
This quote is said by Mikhail Bulgakov. It reflects the pervasive fear and self-censorship in Soviet society, and also sets up a contrast with characters like Margarita, who is fearless in her devotion to the Master.
“And now we are all happy and content, and we wouldn’t wish for a better life. But the life of man is not as simple as all that.”
This quote is a sardonic commentary on the supposed happiness and contentment under the Soviet regime, pointing to the complexity and struggles of human life that are often hidden beneath the surface.
AUTHOR
Mikhail Bulgakov was a Russian writer and playwright, known for his satirical works that critiqued Soviet society. He was born on May 15, 1891, in Kiev, which is now the capital of Ukraine but was part of the Russian Empire at the time.
Early Life:
Bulgakov was the first of six children. His father was an assistant professor at the Kiev Theological Academy, and his mother was a former teacher. Bulgakov was exposed to a variety of cultural and artistic influences from a young age, including theater, which would later play a significant role in his life.
He studied medicine at Kiev University, graduating in 1916. During World War I and the subsequent Russian Civil War, he worked as a doctor, an experience that provided material for his early short stories and his first major work, “Notes of a Young Doctor.”
Literary Career:
Bulgakov gave up medicine in 1920 to pursue a writing career. He moved to Moscow in 1921, where he worked as a journalist and wrote short stories and plays. His early works, including the novel “The White Guard” and the play “The Days of the Turbins,” were based on his experiences during the civil war in Kiev.
Although Bulgakov’s works were popular with audiences, they faced criticism and censorship from Soviet authorities due to their perceived counter-revolutionary sentiments. Bulgakov’s satirical works, such as “Heart of a Dog” and “The Fatal Eggs,” were particularly controversial.
In the late 1920s, most of Bulgakov’s works were banned, and he was unable to publish or stage his plays. During this period, he began writing “The Master and Margarita,” although he believed it would never be published.
The Master and Margarita:
“The Master and Margarita” is Bulgakov’s most famous work and is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century literature. It was written in secrecy over a period of 12 years, and Bulgakov continued to revise it until his death. The novel was not published until 1966-1967, more than 25 years after Bulgakov’s death, and it was initially released in a heavily censored form. The uncensored version was not published until 1973.
Later Life and Death:
Despite his struggles with censorship, Bulgakov was able to maintain a writing career, in part due to the support of Joseph Stalin. Bulgakov had written a letter to the Soviet government in 1930, asking to be allowed to emigrate if he could not work as a writer in the Soviet Union. Stalin personally rejected Bulgakov’s request to leave the country and instead arranged for him to work at the Moscow Art Theatre.
Bulgakov married three times. His third wife, Yelena Shilovskaya, is believed to have been the inspiration for the character of Margarita in “The Master and Margarita.”
Bulgakov’s health deteriorated in the late 1930s, possibly due to a hereditary kidney disorder. He died in Moscow on March 10, 1940. Despite the challenges he faced during his lifetime, Bulgakov’s works have had a lasting impact on Russian literature and culture.
CRITICISMS
“The Master and Margarita” is widely regarded as a classic of 20th-century literature, but like any work of art, it has been subject to criticism. Here are a few points of critique that have been raised over the years:
- Complexity and Difficult Narrative Structure: The novel’s narrative structure, which alternates between two different storylines and time periods, can be challenging for some readers to follow. Moreover, the book’s blend of satire, fantasy, and historical commentary, while considered inventive by many, can also be seen as confusing or overly ambitious.
- Allegorical Nature: While the book’s use of allegory and symbolism is one of its most celebrated aspects, it can also be a source of frustration for some readers. The numerous symbolic references and allusions to Soviet society and politics, the Bible, and other works of literature can make the book difficult to fully appreciate without a strong understanding of these contexts.
- Depiction of Women: Some critics have raised concerns about the depiction of women in the novel. Margarita, the primary female character, is deeply devoted to the Master and is willing to go to great lengths, including selling her soul to the devil, to be with him. While some see this as a depiction of profound love and sacrifice, others view it as a problematic representation of women’s roles and agency.
- Suppression and Self-Censorship: Given that Bulgakov was writing under a repressive regime, it’s believed that he may have self-censored or altered aspects of the novel to avoid further trouble with the authorities. Some critics argue that this could have compromised the integrity of his work.
- Depiction of the Devil: The portrayal of the devil (Woland) as a somewhat sympathetic character has been controversial. Some readers and critics, especially those with more conservative religious views, might find this portrayal offensive or blasphemous.
Despite these criticisms, it’s important to note that “The Master and Margarita” is generally highly regarded for its boldness, creativity, and social commentary. It’s also worth remembering that art is subjective, and responses to any given work can vary widely depending on the individual reader’s tastes, background, and perspectives.
DISCUSSION
“The Master and Margarita” is a rich and complex novel that offers numerous points for discussion and analysis. Here are some topics that might come up in a study or discussion of the book:
- Satire of Soviet Society: How does Bulgakov critique the Soviet system and bureaucracy through his depiction of Moscow and its inhabitants? How do specific events and characters reflect the absurdities and injustices of life under the Soviet regime?
- The Role of the Supernatural: How does Bulgakov use supernatural elements (Woland and his retinue, witchcraft, etc.) in the novel? What do these elements symbolize, and how do they contribute to the novel’s themes and messages?
- The Novel within a Novel: Consider the structure of “The Master and Margarita”, particularly the inclusion of the Master’s novel about Pontius Pilate. How do the two narratives relate to each other and what is the significance of this nested narrative?
- The Theme of Cowardice and Bravery: The Master’s descent into madness and his self-imposed title of ‘coward’ contrast with Margarita’s bravery. Discuss the exploration of these themes throughout the novel.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: How do the themes of redemption and forgiveness play out in the novel, particularly in the story of Pontius Pilate and Yeshua Ha-Notsri? How does this relate to the Master and Margarita’s story?
- The Depiction of Art and the Artist: Discuss the portrayal of the artist (the Master), his work, and the societal response it receives. How does this reflect on the value of art and the struggles faced by artists?
- Good and Evil: How does the novel portray the concepts of good and evil, particularly in the character of Woland (the devil)? Is there a clear moral dichotomy, or does the novel present a more nuanced view?
- The Role of Women: Consider the character of Margarita. How does she compare to other female characters in the book and what does she represent? Discuss the depiction of women in the novel more generally.
- Influence of the Bible and Faust: Discuss the influence of the Bible and Goethe’s “Faust” on “The Master and Margarita”. How do these texts inform the novel’s themes and narrative?
- Censorship and Self-Censorship: Given the political climate in which Bulgakov was writing, consider how censorship and self-censorship might have influenced the creation of “The Master and Margarita”.
These are just a few of the many possible discussion points for “The Master and Margarita”. The novel’s complexity and depth make it a fertile ground for analysis and debate.
SUMMARIES
PART ONE
Chapter 1: Never Talk with Strangers
The novel begins with the poet Ivan Bezdomny and the editor Berlioz discussing the existence of Jesus Christ at Patriarch’s Ponds in Moscow. A mysterious foreigner, later revealed as the devil in the guise of Professor Woland, joins their conversation. He predicts Berlioz’s death.
Chapter 2: Pontius Pilate
Woland recounts a tale about Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea, and his interaction with Yeshua Ha-Notsri (Jesus Christ), contradicting their previous discussion about the non-existence of Christ.
Chapter 3: The Seventh Proof
Berlioz is decapitated by a tram, just as Woland had predicted, leaving Ivan in shock and disbelief.
Chapter 4: The Pursuit
Ivan attempts to chase Woland and his retinue, but his efforts result in him being mistaken for a madman and being taken to a mental institution.
Chapter 5: The Affair at Griboedov’s
Woland and his entourage, including a large black cat named Behemoth, disrupt a literary gathering at Griboedov’s restaurant, where they cause chaos and confusion.
Chapter 6: Schizophrenia, as was Said
Ivan arrives at the mental institution where he meets the Master, an author traumatized by the harsh criticism of his novel about Pontius Pilate.
Chapter 7: A Naughty Apartment
Woland and his retinue take up residence in Berlioz’s apartment, now considered “haunted” after several inhabitants disappear under mysterious circumstances.
Chapter 8: The Combat between the Professor and the Poet
The Master recounts his life and the public’s negative response to his novel. Ivan is diagnosed with acute schizophrenia.
Chapter 9: The Hero Enters
Nikolai Ivanovich, a financial official, is teleported to Yalta by Woland’s gang, causing a scandal back in Moscow.
Chapter 10: News from Yalta
Nikolai Ivanovich returns to Moscow in a comical fashion – appearing before his colleagues in his underwear.
Chapter 11: Ivan Splits in Two
Ivan begins to accept the reality of his situation and the existence of the supernatural, symbolically splitting from his old self.
Chapter 12: Black Magic and Its Exposure
Woland hosts a black magic show with his entourage at the Variety Theater, during which they wreak havoc and make fun of the audience’s greed.
Chapter 13: The Hero Leaves
The Master tells Ivan about his affair with Margarita and his decision to quit writing, which led to his current state.
Chapter 14: Glory to the Cock!
At the Variety Theater, Woland’s show continues to create chaos, including the appearance of a magical rooster and the disappearance of the theater’s manager.
Chapter 15: Nikanor Ivanovich’s Dream
Nikanor Ivanovich, the chairman of Berlioz’s housing association, dreams of a conversation with Woland and is arrested for stashing foreign currency, which was planted there by Woland’s gang.
Chapter 16: The Execution
The story of Pontius Pilate continues with the execution of Yeshua, despite Pilate’s attempts to save him.
Chapter 17: An Unquiet Day
The day after the black magic show, the city is in chaos due to the strange and inexplicable events of the previous night.
Chapter 18: Unfortunate Disclosures
The authorities attempt to cover up the events at the Variety
Chapter 19: Margarita
The narrative introduces Margarita, the Master’s lover, who is tormented by her longing for the Master and her dissatisfaction with her current life.
PART TWO
Chapter 1: Margarita Margarita, tormented by her longing for the Master and her dissatisfaction with her current life, is visited by Azazello, a member of Woland’s entourage, who gives her a magical cream that transforms her into a witch.
Chapter 2: The Flight Margarita uses her newfound powers to fly over Moscow, creating mischief and enjoying her freedom. She also visits the critic who led the attack on the Master’s novel and destroys his apartment.
Chapter 3: The High Commission Margarita, after more mischief and destruction, is transported to Woland’s apartment. There she agrees to host Woland’s midnight ball in exchange for a promise that Woland will fulfill one wish for her.
Chapter 4: The Execution The narrative returns to the story of Pontius Pilate, who is tormented by his decision to execute Yeshua.
Chapter 5: Azazello’s Cream This chapter provides a flashback to Margarita’s transformation using Azazello’s cream.
Chapter 6: The Master’s Margarita Margarita hosts Woland’s midnight ball, attending to the needs of the damned souls in attendance.
Chapter 7: Azazello’s Transformation At the end of the ball, Margarita is reunited with the Master. Woland fulfills Margarita’s wish, which is to be with the Master.
Chapter 8: The Master is Released The Master and Margarita are released from the mental institution by Woland’s gang.
Chapter 9: The Fate of the Master and Margarita is Decided Woland grants the Master and Margarita peace and rest, but not light – a reference to their moral ambiguities.
Chapter 10: The Time of the Ball This chapter provides a detailed description of Woland’s grotesque and bizarre midnight ball.
Chapter 11: The Last of Apartment No. 50 Woland and his gang leave Moscow, and their former residence is destroyed in a supernatural storm.
Chapter 12: On Sparrow Hills As a reward for their hospitality, Woland grants the Master and Margarita their ‘eternal peace’ in the form of a secluded, idyllic cottage where they can live together undisturbed.
Chapter 13: The Final Chapter The novel ends with a return to the story of Pontius Pilate, who is finally able to free himself from his guilt and join Yeshua in eternity.