Mikhail Bulgakov
Mikhail Afanasevich Bulgakov was born in Kiev, Ukraine on 15 May 1891 to a family of educators. He was an author, playwright and short story writer who is best remembered for his novel, The Master and Margarita. Bulgakov was born into an upper-middle-class Russian family and completed his medical studies at the Kiev Military Medical Academy in 1916. From 1916 to 1921, he served as a medical assistant in the Siberian village of Krasny Liman.
Bulgakov's first novels and stories were published in the early 1920s, including The Fatal Eggs and The White Guard. His works were strongly praised and he quickly gained a loyal audience among Russian readers. Bulgakov's fame increased further after the publication of The Master and Margarita in 1926, a complex story about the devil's arrival in the Soviet Union. The novel quickly became popular among readers, though the Soviet state authorities censored it.
Bulgakov's works share several common themes, such as the inescapable difficulty of life under the Soviet regime, the powers of the imagination, and the tragedy of war. He also often employed elements of fantasy, satire, and black humor in his works. His literary style is also notable for its strong focus on descriptions of the beautiful and mysterious city of Moscow, where the majority of his works take place.
Bulgakov was awarded several prizes throughout his life, including the Order of Lenin and the Soviet State Prize. Despite the success of his works and many awards, Bulgakov struggled with censorship, poverty, and illness. He died on 10 March 1940 at the age of 48, after a long bout with kidney failure.
The Master and Margarita is undoubtedly Bulgakov's most renowned work, and is considered among the masterpieces of 20th century Russian literature. The novel follows an eccentric mix of characters as they encounter the devil in the Soviet Union. As the devil interacts with a variety of people, Bulgakov uses this plot to comment on various issues such as social inequality, religious hypocrisy, and the futility of war. The text also serves as a metaphor for the oppressive atmosphere of Stalinist Russia, as the devil is able to navigate the bureaucratic system with ease. Despite Soviet censorship, the novel was included on the all time list of 100 best books compiled by the Russian writers’ union in 1989.
Bulgakov's other works, such as The Heart of a Dog and A Fatal Eggs, depict the same themes, but from a variety of perspectives. These include the themes of good and evil, the difficulty of life under Soviet rule, and the redemptive power of love. Other works by Bulgakov include plays, essays, and stories and many of his works were adapted for stage and film.
Mikhail Bulgakov's legacy as one of the most important and influential Russian authors of the 20th century remains intact. His works continue to fascinate readers, providing insight into the unique culture and history of Russia during his lifetime.
