The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov, is a captivating and thought-provoking novel set in Moscow in the 1930s. It tells the story of a mysterious visitor, Woland, who turns the city of Moscow on its head with his supernatural powers and mischievous Escher-like illusions. Woland is accompanied by his entourage of the mischievous cat Behemoth, the poet-magician Azazello, and the beloved Margarita, who is captivated by his unearthly beauty and presence. It’s a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, as Margarita and her beloved Master must confront the ideological dogma of Stalin-era Russia.
The novel jumps back and forth between two narrative threads, telling stories in both the present and past. The main story takes place in 1930s Moscow, where Woland and his entourage make a dramatic entrance, causing a stir among the city citizens. Woland’s arrival puts people in a panic, as he seems capable of manipulating reality and manipulating people’s minds to do his bidding. Woland causes chaos all throughout the city, putting many of its residents in a strange and powerful trance. At the same time, he is welcomed by some as a friend and a savior, especially by Margarita.
Meanwhile, the second thread of the novel takes us back to biblical Jerusalem, to the life of Yeshua (Jesus Christ), and to the trial and crucifixion of Yeshua's close ally, the Master. Yeshua and his followers were persecuted by the Romans, and the Master suffered arguably the most, with his crucified body left hanging on the wall. Margarita loves the Master dearly, so much so that she jumps right off the balcony when she finds out that Woland plans to resurrect him. This sets off a sequence of events as Margarita is given the opportunity to become one of Satan’s witches, with all of the powers that come along with it.
The novel then delves into deeper themes such as the clash of belief systems, the consequences of the Soviet regime, and the role of magic and superstition in a society that is driven by ideology. Bulgakov expertly weaves together events from history, science, and religion to create a compelling and multifaceted tale. In the end, the novel leaves us with a picture of a cruel world, ruled by fear and irony, yet reviving with unexpected beauty and redemption.
The Master and Margarita is an unforgettable novel that is sure to leave readers awestruck. Its potency lies in Bulgakov’s ability to comment on the uneasy relationship between church and state, as well as in its exploration of the power of love and redemption. It is a testament to the importance of rebelling against ideologies and systems of oppression, while never forgetting the power of the human spirit.
