Review of The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

**Review of The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov**

The Master and Margarita (1967) by Mikhail Bulgakov is a complex, surreal, and darkly comic novel that explores themes of good and evil, freedom, power, and identity. Set in Soviet Moscow during the 1930s, the story is structured around two interwoven narratives: one follows the Devil, disguised as Woland, who arrives in Moscow with a retinue of eccentric characters, causing havoc and chaos in the city; the other tells the tragic love story of the Master, an author who has written a novel about Pontius Pilate, and his lover Margarita.

Bulgakov blends magical realism with philosophical and political critique, using his narrative to question the nature of power, totalitarianism, and the role of the artist in society. The Master and Margarita is filled with religious and literary references, drawing on Biblical themes, Russian folklore, and Soviet culture to create a multi-layered, allegorical work that challenges the boundaries between reality and illusion. The novel is a brilliant satire of Soviet life under Stalin and remains a significant and deeply influential work in Russian literature.

Themes in The Master and Margarita

The Nature of Good and Evil: A central theme in The Master and Margarita is the exploration of good and evil, often depicted as intertwined and fluid. The character of Woland, who represents the Devil, is not portrayed in the traditional sense of ultimate evil. Instead, he is depicted as a mysterious, almost ambiguous figure who is neither entirely evil nor entirely good. Woland’s actions often reveal the absurdities and contradictions of Soviet society, and his chaotic influence on Moscow serves as a reminder that the lines between good and evil are not always clear. The novel suggests that evil is not always a direct force of destruction, but rather a complex and sometimes necessary part of the world.
The Power of the Artist and Creativity: The novel examines the role of the artist in a repressive society, with the figure of the Master embodying the struggles of creative freedom under totalitarian rule. The Master’s novel about Pontius Pilate is both an act of defiance and a reflection of his personal torment. Through the Master’s character, Bulgakov explores the costs of artistic creation in an environment that seeks to control and suppress individuality and dissent. The artistic process is portrayed as both a sacred act and a source of personal suffering. In a world where freedom of expression is stifled, the Master’s relationship with his work becomes symbolic of the struggles faced by artists under political oppression.
Freedom and Totalitarianism: The Master and Margarita is a biting critique of Soviet totalitarianism, particularly the Stalinist regime of the 1930s. Through its surreal events and symbolic characters, the novel questions the limits of freedom in a society where political power controls every aspect of life. The interference of Woland and his retinue in Moscow’s bureaucratic and political spheres reveals the irrationality and absurdity of the Soviet system. In contrast to the authoritarian control of the state, the love story between the Master and Margarita represents individual freedom, showing how personal love and artistic creation can be an act of rebellion against a society that seeks to impose conformity.
Love and Sacrifice: The relationship between the Master and Margarita is a central emotional core of the novel. Their love is not only a romantic ideal but also a sacrifice for each other. Margarita’s willingness to make a pact with Woland in order to reunite with the Master reflects the depth of her devotion and her rejection of the societal norms that would normally constrain her. In this sense, their love serves as a metaphor for freedom—the ability to transcend societal oppression and choose one's own path. It is also symbolic of the spiritual sacrifice the characters make in order to gain redemption, ultimately representing the idea that love and loyalty are worth suffering and sacrifice.
The Power of Redemption and the Afterlife: Another important theme is the concept of redemption and the afterlife. As Woland’s forces wreak havoc on Moscow, characters undergo moments of personal transformation and redemption. The novel’s conclusion brings a sense of justice and resolution, with characters who were once corrupt or tormented finding peace in the afterlife. The depiction of Margarita’s loyalty and the Master’s artistic integrity contrasts with the fate of those in power in the corrupt Soviet system, suggesting that even in a world of chaos and injustice, there is the possibility of spiritual redemption. Woland’s actions ultimately restore balance, providing a subtle message about the possibility of justice beyond this world.

Character Roles in The Master and Margarita

The Master: The Master is a complex and tragic character, representing the artist who is crushed by societal pressures and political oppression. He is a symbol of the struggle for creative freedom and intellectual integrity in a totalitarian regime. His novel about Pontius Pilate serves as a metaphor for his own personal journey, as he wrestles with themes of guilt, suffering, and redemption. The Master’s character represents the devotion to one’s art and the sacrifice that often accompanies it, especially in a world where the freedom to express one’s true self is restricted. His relationship with Margarita is the emotional core of the novel, serving as a symbol of love that transcends time and space.
Margarita: Margarita is a passionate and devoted woman who represents selflessness, sacrifice, and freedom. Her love for the Master drives her to make a deal with Woland in exchange for his freedom and salvation. Margarita’s willingness to go to great lengths for the man she loves reflects her strength and agency, in contrast to the restrictive society in which she lives. She is a figure of redemption, representing the ability to transcend personal suffering and repression. Margarita’s role is crucial in restoring balance and providing hope in a world dominated by injustice.
Woland: Woland, the Devil, is one of the most intriguing and ambiguous characters in the novel. He represents chaos, mystery, and the power of the unknown, and his actions throughout the novel are often a catalyst for rebellion against the oppressive Soviet system. Woland is not merely an evil figure but also a force that reveals the absurdity of human society and its governing principles. Through Woland, Bulgakov explores the themes of good and evil, questioning the role of moral absolutes in a world of contradictions. Woland is both a cynical observer and an active agent of change, pushing characters to face their own moral choices and understand the consequences of their actions.
Pontius Pilate: The character of Pontius Pilate, as portrayed in the novel within the novel written by the Master, serves as a symbol of moral conflict and injustice. Pilate is a tragic figure, a man caught between his desire for justice and his fear of the political consequences of taking action. His narrative parallels the Master’s own struggles with guilt and redemption, with Pilate ultimately seeking peace in the afterlife after being unable to achieve justice in the earthly realm. Pilate’s presence in the novel underscores the theme of moral ambiguity and the difficult choices individuals must make when faced with injustice and oppression.
The Soviet Bureaucrats: The bureaucrats and officials in Moscow, such as the editor Berlioz, serve as representations of the corrupt and ineffectual Soviet regime. These characters are often self-important, devoid of personal integrity, and caught up in the mundane aspects of power. Their interactions with Woland and his retinue highlight the absurdity and hypocrisy of Soviet life, where bureaucratic control often trumps individual freedoms or moral considerations. Through these figures, Bulgakov critiques the political system that stifles creativity, individuality, and freedom of thought.

Linguistic Tools in The Master and Margarita

Magical Realism: The Master and Margarita is renowned for its use of magical realism, where fantastical events occur alongside the mundane. The arrival of Woland and his entourage, as well as the surreal and supernatural occurrences that follow, are presented as natural parts of the world, forcing readers to confront the boundaries between reality and illusion. The supernatural elements of the novel are not just plot devices but also serve to illustrate moral and philosophical ideas, such as the nature of good and evil, freedom, and justice.
Philosophical Dialogue: The novel contains philosophical debates, particularly through the character of Woland, who often delivers profound monologues about the nature of reality, power, and human existence. These dialogues explore complex questions about the meaning of life and the nature of the human soul, allowing Bulgakov to layer philosophical depth within the narrative’s absurdist humor. Woland’s philosophical musings also challenge the totalitarian mindset, questioning the morality and authority of the Soviet regime.
Satirical and Dark Humor: Bulgakov’s trademark dark humor and satire are woven throughout the novel, allowing the story to critique Soviet society while also keeping the tone accessible and engaging. The portrayal of the Soviet bureaucracy, the antics of Woland’s entourage, and the contradictions of Bokononism all serve as satirical elements that mock the structures of power and authority. Bulgakov’s humor helps to balance the novel’s darker themes, making the exploration of evil, freedom, and love both thought-provoking and engaging.

Conclusion

The Master and Margarita is a complex, multi-layered novel that blends magical realism, satire, and philosophical musings to create a profound exploration of good and evil, freedom, and the nature of human existence. Through its vivid characters, particularly Woland, Margarita, and the Master, Bulgakov addresses the absurdity of life under a totalitarian regime while also offering a nuanced meditation on love, power, and the role of the artist. With its dark humor, surreal elements, and philosophical depth, The Master and Margarita remains a landmark work in Russian literature, both a timeless allegory and a sharp critique of Soviet society.