The devil has arrived in town, but fear not—his only intention is to stage a magic show. This bizarre premise forms the core of Mikhail Bulgakov’s renowned novel, The Master and Margarita. Written in Moscow during the 1930s, this surreal blend of political satire, historical fiction, and occult mysticism has secured its place as one of the 20th century’s greatest—and most peculiar—novels.
The story begins with a meeting between two members of Moscow’s literary elite, which is unexpectedly interrupted by a mysterious man named Woland. Claiming to be a foreign scholar invited to present on black magic, Woland engages the two in a philosophical debate, making ominous predictions about their futures. Suddenly, the narrative shifts to 1st century Jerusalem, where a tormented Pontius Pilate reluctantly condemns Jesus of Nazareth to death.
As the story oscillates between these two settings, Woland and his entourage—Azazello, Koroviev, Hella, and a giant cat named Behemoth—demonstrate their uncanny magical abilities. They use these powers to stage their performance, leaving chaos and confusion in their wake.
The novel’s dark humor arises not only from the demonic antics but also from the backdrop against which these events unfold. Bulgakov’s tale is set in the same environment in which it was written—the USSR during the height of the Stalinist era. In this setting, artists and authors faced strict censorship, with the threat of imprisonment, exile, or execution if deemed subversive to state ideology. Even approved works, along with housing, travel, and other aspects of life, were controlled by a complex bureaucracy.
Woland cleverly manipulates this system and the fabric of reality, leading to hilarious outcomes. As heads detach from bodies and money rains from the sky, the citizens of Moscow react with self-interest, illustrating how Soviet society fostered greed and cynicism despite its ideals. The matter-of-fact narration seamlessly blends the supernatural’s strangeness with the everyday absurdity of Soviet life.
How did Bulgakov manage to publish such a subversive novel under an oppressive regime? In truth, he didn’t. Bulgakov worked on The Master and Margarita for over a decade. Although Stalin’s personal favor may have shielded him from severe persecution, many of his plays and writings were barred from production, leaving him safe but effectively silenced. Upon his death in 1940, the manuscript remained unpublished. A censored version eventually appeared in the 1960s, while unabridged copies circulated in underground literary circles. The full text was only published in 1973, over 30 years after its completion.
Bulgakov’s experiences with censorship and artistic frustration lend an autobiographical element to the novel’s second part, where we meet its namesake. “The Master” is an unnamed author who, after years of work on a novel, burns the manuscript following its rejection by publishers—mirroring Bulgakov’s own experiences. Yet, the true protagonist is the Master’s mistress, Margarita. Her unwavering devotion to her lover’s forsaken dream intertwines with the diabolical company’s escapades, propelling the story to its surreal climax.
Despite its dark humor and intricate structure, The Master and Margarita is ultimately a meditation on art, love, and redemption that never succumbs to cynicism. The novel’s eventual publication and survival against all odds stand as a testament to Woland’s assertion to the Master: “Manuscripts don’t burn.”
Choose a character from “The Master and Margarita” and create a detailed character profile. Include their background, motivations, and key actions in the story. Then, pair up with a classmate and role-play a scene from the novel, staying true to your character’s traits and behaviors. This will help you understand the complexities of each character and their role in the narrative.
Research the historical context of the USSR during the 1930s, focusing on the Stalinist era’s impact on artists and writers. Create a presentation that connects your findings to the themes and events in “The Master and Margarita.” This will deepen your understanding of the novel’s setting and the challenges faced by Bulgakov.
Write an alternate ending for “The Master and Margarita.” Consider how the story might change if key events had different outcomes. Share your ending with the class and discuss how it affects the overall message and themes of the novel. This activity encourages creative thinking and a deeper engagement with the plot.
Create a piece of art that represents a significant scene or theme from “The Master and Margarita.” Use symbolism to convey deeper meanings and present your artwork to the class, explaining your choices. This will help you explore the novel’s rich imagery and symbolic elements.
Participate in a class debate on the topic of censorship and artistic freedom, using “The Master and Margarita” as a case study. Prepare arguments for both sides, considering the novel’s history and Bulgakov’s experiences. This activity will enhance your critical thinking skills and understanding of the broader implications of censorship.
Devil – A supernatural being often associated with evil and temptation, frequently appearing in literature as an antagonist. – In many classic novels, the devil represents the internal struggles of the characters, forcing them to confront their moral dilemmas.
Magic – The use of supernatural powers or abilities to influence events, often found in fantasy literature. – The protagonist discovered a hidden book of magic that allowed her to alter reality and challenge the laws of nature.
Satire – A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms and human vices. – Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” is a powerful example of satire, highlighting the absurdity of social issues in 18th-century Ireland.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often explored in literature to provide context and depth to narratives. – The novel intricately weaves historical events into its plot, allowing readers to understand the characters’ motivations in the context of their time.
Moscow – The capital city of Russia, often depicted in literature as a symbol of political power and cultural richness. – In “The Master and Margarita,” Moscow serves as a vibrant backdrop for the intertwining stories of love, betrayal, and the supernatural.
Bulgakov – Referring to Mikhail Bulgakov, a Russian writer known for his satirical and fantastical works, particularly “The Master and Margarita.” – Bulgakov’s unique narrative style blends reality with fantasy, challenging readers to question the nature of truth.
Publication – The process of making literature available to the public, often involving editing, printing, and distribution. – The publication of the controversial novel sparked debates about freedom of expression and the role of literature in society.
Censorship – The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable or harmful. – Censorship in literature often leads to a rich underground culture where banned books circulate among avid readers.
Art – A diverse range of human activities that involve the creation of visual, auditory, or performance artifacts that express the creator’s imagination or technical skill. – The interplay of art and literature in the Renaissance period showcased how both forms could influence and inspire each other.
Redemption – The act of being saved from sin, error, or evil, often a central theme in literature that explores character growth and moral dilemmas. – The character’s journey toward redemption was marked by a series of trials that ultimately led to his self-discovery and forgiveness.
