“The Master and Margarita” is a novel written by Mikhail Bulgakov that has become a classic of Russian literature. It is a complex and multi-layered work that combines elements of satire, fantasy, and philosophy. The story is set in Moscow during the 1930s and follows the adventures of the devil, who comes to the city in the guise of Professor Woland, and his band of mischievous companions.
One of the most intriguing aspects of “The Master and Margarita” is its use of allegory. The novel is filled with symbolic characters and events that represent deeper meanings and themes. For example, Woland and his associates can be seen as representing the forces of chaos and destruction that threaten to undermine the order of Soviet society. Meanwhile, the character of Margarita can be seen as a symbol of hope and redemption, as she struggles to find meaning and purpose in a world that has been turned upside down.
Overall, “The Master and Margarita” is a rich and rewarding work of literature that continues to captivate readers around the world. Whether one is interested in its allegorical themes, its fantastical elements, or its biting satire of Soviet society, this novel has something to offer to everyone.
Historical Context of ‘The Master and Margarita’
The Master and Margarita is a novel written by Mikhail Bulgakov in the Soviet Union between 1928 and 1940. The novel was written during a time when the official ideology of the Soviet state was based on militant atheism and obligatory historical optimism. The novel was in stark opposition to the Bolshevik’s cultural norms, and it depicts the devil as the main character.
The novel was not published until 1967, after the writer’s death, by his widow Elena Bulgakova. Since then, it has become one of the best novels to emerge from the political unrest of the twentieth century. The novel mixes elements of political satire, dark comedy, magical realism, Christian theology, and philosophy into a unique whole.
The influences of the novel are many, and its own subsequent influence is worldwide. In terms of Russian influences, likely candidates are the fantastical humor of Nikolai Gogol and the unflinching moral complexity of Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov. The novel is now regarded as a masterpiece of twentieth-century literature and is studied in universities worldwide.
Overview of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic representation to convey a deeper meaning. It is a form of extended metaphor that can be found in various forms of literature, including novels, poems, and plays. In an allegory, characters, events, and objects represent abstract ideas or moral qualities.
Allegory has been used throughout history to convey important messages and lessons. One of the most famous examples of allegory is George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which uses animals to represent political figures and events. Another example is Dante’s Divine Comedy, which uses a journey through hell, purgatory, and heaven to represent the soul’s journey towards God.
Allegory is often used to explore complex themes and ideas, such as morality, religion, politics, and social issues. It allows writers to convey their message in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. By using symbolic representation, allegory can be used to comment on contemporary issues and events without being too overt or didactic.
Main Allegories in ‘The Master and Margarita’
Political Critique of Soviet Society
Bulgakov’s novel is a political satire that critiques the Soviet society’s corruption and hypocrisy. The character of Woland, the devil, represents the Soviet government. The novel portrays the Soviet government as a chaotic and oppressive force that suppresses free speech and artistic expression. Meanwhile, the character of the Master represents the artists who are oppressed by the Soviet government and are struggling to express themselves.
Religious Themes and the Figure of Christ
The novel also contains religious themes, and the figure of Christ plays a significant role in the allegory. The character of Pontius Pilate represents the Soviet government, which is portrayed as a corrupt and oppressive force. The novel also explores the theme of redemption and forgiveness, which is symbolized by the figure of Christ.
The Struggle Between Good and Evil
The novel explores the theme of the struggle between good and evil. The character of Woland, the devil, represents evil, while the Master and Margarita represent good. The novel portrays the struggle between good and evil as a complex and nuanced battle that takes place within the human soul. The novel suggests that the struggle between good and evil is an essential aspect of the human experience.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
Mikhail Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita” is full of allegory and symbolism. The characters in the novel are not just individuals but also represent certain ideas, concepts, or even historical figures. Here are some of the most prominent allegorical figures in the novel:
The Master and His Manuscript
The Master is the protagonist of the novel, and his manuscript is the central plot device. The Master represents the artist, the writer, the creator who struggles to express his vision in a world that does not understand or appreciate it. His manuscript is a symbol of his creativity and his desire to tell the truth, even if it goes against the official narrative. The manuscript is also a metaphor for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate truth that the Master is trying to convey.
Margarita and Her Transformation
Margarita is the female lead in the novel, and she represents the transformative power of love and sacrifice. She starts as a bored and unhappy housewife, but her encounter with Woland and her decision to help the Master transform her into a powerful and liberated woman. Margarita’s transformation is a symbol of the transformative power of love and the willingness to sacrifice for a greater good.
Woland as a Satanic Figure
Woland is the most enigmatic character in the novel, and he represents the devil or Satan. He is a trickster, a magician, and a tempter who challenges the norms and values of the society. Woland’s presence in the novel is a critique of the Soviet system and its oppressive ideology. He exposes the hypocrisy and corruption of the ruling class and the limitations of the official narrative.
Secondary Characters and Their Symbolic Roles
The secondary characters in the novel also have allegorical roles. For example, Behemoth, the black cat, represents the chaos and anarchy that can arise when the established order is challenged. Meanwhile, Koroviev and Azazello represent the bureaucracy and the police state that enforce the official narrative. Lastly, the poet Ivan Bezdomny represents the young and naive idealist who is searching for truth and meaning but is easily manipulated by those in power.
Symbolism of Settings and Events
Moscow’s Role in the Narrative
Moscow, the capital city of Russia, is the primary setting of The Master and Margarita. The city serves as a backdrop for the events that occur in the novel, as well as a symbol of the Soviet Union. The city is portrayed as a place of corruption, bureaucracy, and oppression, where the government controls every aspect of people’s lives. The city’s bleakness is contrasted with the fantastical elements of the novel, such as the appearance of the devil and his retinue.
The Spring Ball of the Full Moon
The Spring Ball of the Full Moon is a pivotal event in the novel, where the devil and his entourage hold a grand ball at the Patriarch’s Ponds. The ball is a symbol of the decadence and excess of the ruling class, as well as a critique of the Soviet regime’s suppression of artistic expression. The ball is also a turning point in the plot, as it marks the beginning of Margarita’s transformation into a witch.
The Master’s Literary Trial
The Master’s literary trial is a significant event in the novel, where he is accused of writing anti-Soviet propaganda and is subjected to a show trial. The trial is a symbol of the Soviet regime’s suppression of artistic expression and the persecution of intellectuals. The trial is also a commentary on the nature of art and the power of literature to challenge authority.
Interpretations of the Novel’s Ending
The ending of “The Master and Margarita” has been the subject of much debate and interpretation among readers. Some believe that the novel’s ending represents a triumph of good over evil, as Margarita and the Master are reunited and Woland and his demonic entourage are banished from Moscow. Others argue that the ending is more ambiguous, and that it may represent a more complex interplay between good and evil.
One possible interpretation of the novel’s ending is that it represents a triumph of love over oppression. Throughout the novel, Margarita and the Master struggle against the oppressive forces of Stalinist Moscow, and their love for each other serves as a beacon of hope in the face of this oppression. In the final scene, Margarita and the Master are reunited, and their love is shown to be stronger than the forces of evil that have been arrayed against them.
Another possible interpretation of the novel’s ending is that it represents a more complex interplay between good and evil. In this interpretation, the novel’s ending is not simply a triumph of good over evil, but rather a more nuanced exploration of the relationship between these two opposing forces. In this view, the novel’s ending suggests that good and evil are not always easily distinguishable from one another, and that they may in fact be intimately intertwined.
The Influence of Faust on Bulgakov’s Work
Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita is heavily influenced by Goethe’s Faust. The protagonist of Faust is a scholar who is dissatisfied with his life and makes a deal with the devil, Mephistopheles, for knowledge and worldly pleasures. Similarly, the Master in The Master and Margarita is a writer who is disillusioned with Soviet society and sells his soul to the devil, Woland, in exchange for the ability to write again.
The parallels between the two works extend beyond the central characters. Both works deal with themes of redemption, temptation, and the nature of good and evil. Additionally, both works contain elements of the supernatural and feature a cast of characters that includes demons and angels.
However, while Faust ultimately ends in tragedy for its protagonist, The Master and Margarita offers a more hopeful and redemptive ending. The Master is able to find salvation through his love for Margarita, and the novel as a whole offers a critique of Soviet society and the oppressive nature of its bureaucracy.
Critical Reception and Legacy of the Novel
The Master and Margarita has received widespread critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest works of Russian literature. The novel’s satirical and fantastical elements, as well as its philosophical and theological themes, have made it a favorite among readers and scholars alike.
The novel has also had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in film, theater, and music. It has been translated into over 40 languages and has been adapted for the stage and screen in various countries.
The Master and Margarita has also been the subject of numerous academic studies and critical essays, with scholars exploring its themes of censorship, corruption, and oppression, as well as its exploration of the nature of good and evil. The novel has been compared to the works of Gogol and Dostoevsky, and is considered a masterpiece of modern Russian literature.