Explore the intricate layers of “The Master and Margarita,” a novel that masterfully blends satire, fantasy, and profound social critique. Set against the backdrop of Stalinist Moscow, this article dives deep into the history and challenges faced by its author, Mikhail Bulgakov, offering readers an enriched understanding of the novel’s genesis and its enduring relevance. Journey through the novel’s portrayal of power, love, and human resilience, and discover why it remains a timeless reflection of society’s complexities.
Introduction
“The Master and Margarita” is a novel that has captivated readers since its publication in 1967. Written by the renowned Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov, the novel weaves together elements of satire, fantasy, and social commentary against the backdrop of Stalinist Moscow. Its complex narrative and multifaceted characters have made it a timeless masterpiece, while its historical context adds depth and richness to its themes. In this article, we delve into the fascinating history behind “The Master and Margarita” and explore how it intertwines with the tumultuous era in which it was conceived.
This article was inspired by conversations with my son, Bill, during his time at the University of Birmingham, on his degree course in English Literature. And because this is my favourite book.
Contents
Life and Works of Mikhail Bulgakov
Mikhail Afanasyevich Bulgakov, a prominent Soviet and Russian writer, was born on May 15, 1891, in Kyiv, Ukraine, and his life’s journey unfolded against the backdrop of tumultuous political changes and artistic transformations. He left an indelible mark on world literature with his inventive storytelling and incisive social commentary.
Early Life and Medical Career
Bulgakov’s early life was marked by his pursuit of medicine, influenced by his family’s professional background. After completing his medical studies in Kyiv, he practised as a country doctor in remote rural areas, an experience that deeply impacted his later literary works. His exposure to the stark realities of human suffering and the absurdities of bureaucracy laid the foundation for his satirical and dark comic writing.
Literary Aspirations and Theatrical Inclinations
Despite his medical career, Bulgakov’s passion for literature remained unquenchable. He began publishing stories and essays, gradually gaining recognition for his unique voice. His fascination with theatre led him to write plays, the most notable being “The Days of the Turbins,” a historical drama set during the Russian Civil War. This play’s success propelled Bulgakov into the spotlight, showcasing his ability to combine historical narratives with rich character development.
The Impact of the Soviet Regime
Bulgakov’s life and creativity were significantly shaped by the repressive Soviet regime. His plays and writings often faced censorship or were outright banned due to their perceived subversive content.
Stalin and “The Days of the Turbins”
Bulgakov’s relationship with the Soviet regime, particularly with Stalin, is a tale of intrigue. One of Bulgakov’s most renowned plays is “The Days of the Turbins,” which focuses on the life of a White Army officer family during the Russian Civil War. The play was seen as sympathetic to the White Army – opponents of the Bolsheviks – which should have made it ripe for censorship or outright banning in the Soviet Union.
However, Stalin saw and enjoyed the play. His admiration of “The Days of the Turbins” is well documented, with accounts suggesting he might have watched it more than a dozen times. This patronage from Stalin provided the play a sort of ‘immunity’ from censorship. The play was performed repeatedly and became a significant hit in Moscow.
The Paradox of Stalin’s Admiration:
While Stalin’s appreciation of “The Days of the Turbins” ensured its success, this very admiration became a double-edged sword for Bulgakov. On the one hand, it granted Bulgakov a certain level of protection: despite the often challenging content of his works and their variance from Soviet ideals, Bulgakov was never arrested or exiled, a fate many of his contemporaries faced.
However, the flip side of this “protection” was more insidious. Bulgakov’s works faced constant scrutiny. Many of his plays, including those written after “The Days of the Turbins,” were promptly banned from being performed. His relationship with the Soviet regime became increasingly strained.
Bulgakov’s open letters to the government, specifically one to Stalin, highlight his desperation. In one poignant letter, he requested permission to leave the country, believing that his writing might be better accepted elsewhere. Stalin personally intervened, not granting his request to leave but offering him employment in the Moscow Art Theatre.
The authoritarian control over artistic expression fueled his struggle to reconcile his artistic vision with the state’s demands. This tension is most prominently explored in his masterpiece, “The Master and Margarita”, a bold satire of Soviet society, it was written in secrecy and wasn’t published until after his death.
Masterpiece: “The Master and Margarita”
Bulgakov’s magnum opus, “The Master and Margarita,” stands as a blend of satirical fantasy, allegory, and social critique. Written over the course of more than a decade and completed shortly before his death, the novel weaves together the story of Pontius Pilate’s encounter with Jesus and contemporary Soviet society. The Devil’s visit to Moscow and the ensuing chaos provide a canvas for Bulgakov to dissect the absurdities of totalitarian rule, exposing the veneer of rationality in a world dominated by censorship and manipulation. The novel’s intricate layers delve into themes of good and evil, freedom, and artistic integrity.
Final Years and Legacy
Mikhail Bulgakov’s life was tragically cut short when he succumbed to a kidney disorder on March 10, 1940, in Moscow. His literary legacy, however, has endured and flourished beyond his lifetime. Although many of his works were published posthumously and in expurgated forms, his uncompromising critique of totalitarianism and his exploration of the human condition continues to resonate with readers worldwide. “The Master and Margarita” remains one of the most celebrated and studied novels in world literature, lauded for its intricate narrative structure, vivid characters, and profound philosophical insights. Bulgakov’s ability to infuse satire, fantasy, and profound moral questions within his narratives solidifies his place as a literary giant who fearlessly confronted the complexities of his era. His works, often bearing the mark of the absurd and surreal, serve as an enduring testament to the power of literature to challenge, question, and transcend the limitations imposed by oppressive regimes.
How “Days of the Turbins” influenced Bulgakov
Mikhail Bulgakov’s tumultuous relationship with the Soviet authorities, and especially the paradoxical combination of protection and persecution stemming from Stalin’s peculiar patronage, profoundly influenced his writing in several ways:
Themes of Oppression and Censorship
As a direct result of his experiences, many of Bulgakov’s works grapple with themes of censorship, oppression, and the suffocating grip of a totalitarian regime. This is most evident in “The Master and Margarita,” where the Master’s struggles with society mirror Bulgakov’s own challenges in the literary world.
Satirical Elements
Given the restrictions on direct criticism of the regime, Bulgakov often resorted to satire as a means to comment on the absurdities and hypocrisies of Soviet life. The satirical elements in his works are not just humour for humour’s sake; they often provide scathing critiques of the Soviet system, bureaucracy, and the general atmosphere of fear and suspicion.
Increased Secrecy
Knowing the risks associated with his work, Bulgakov took to writing in secret. “The Master and Margarita” is a prime example, as it was written over a period of 12 years and was unpublished during Bulgakov’s lifetime. He wrote for himself and for posterity, with the hope that future generations might see his work.
Self-Reflection and Autobiographical Elements
Many of Bulgakov’s experiences, feelings, and struggles with the Soviet regime found their way into his characters and narratives. The character of the Master in “The Master and Margarita” is often seen as a semi-autobiographical representation of Bulgakov, detailing the internal and external challenges an artist faces in a repressive society.
Resignation and Desperation
Bulgakov’s experiences also infused his works with a sense of resignation and despair. There’s a prevailing theme of the inevitability of suffering and the inescapability of fate. This sentiment was a direct product of his personal struggles, where he felt trapped in a system that neither fully accepted nor rejected him.
Fantastical and Surreal Elements
Given the direct restrictions on critiquing the regime, Bulgakov often turned to allegory, the fantastical, and the surreal to express his thoughts. “The Master and Margarita” brings in the devil himself, along with a host of other supernatural beings, to Moscow. This approach allowed Bulgakov to veil his critiques and explore deeper philosophical questions while ostensibly writing about ‘otherworldly’ topics.
Deepened Humanism
Despite the political pressures and the external world’s absurdities, Bulgakov’s works consistently demonstrate a deep understanding and compassion for the human condition. His characters are multifaceted, and even in the most challenging circumstances, they search for love, meaning, and redemption.
Impact Summary
Bulgakov’s experiences under Stalin’s regime, this curious dance of being simultaneously treasured and muzzled, pushed him to explore new avenues of expression and to dive deeper into the human psyche. His works, shaped by these challenges, stand as timeless testaments to the indomitable spirit of the artist and the enduring power of literature to speak truth to power, even in the most repressive environments.
The Master and Margarita
To fully grasp the significance of “The Master and Margarita”, it is essential to understand the challenges Bulgakov faced during its creation. Bulgakov began writing the novel in the 1930s, a period of strict censorship and state control over literature in the Soviet Union. The novel’s overt critique of Soviet society and its powerful satire presented a considerable risk to Bulgakov, who faced the constant threat of suppression and persecution.
Bulgakov’s relationship with Stalin symbolizes the broader challenge artists faced in the Soviet Union. While the state could be a patron, providing opportunities and protection, it was also an omnipresent censor, always ready to crack down on any perceived ideological deviations.
The Challenging Creation
Stalin’s admiration for “The Days of the Turbins” allowed Bulgakov some security, but it was a perilous safety. Being on Stalin’s radar meant he couldn’t be touched by lower officials, but it also meant he couldn’t fade into the background. Every work he produced was scrutinized, leading to a stifling of his artistic expression.
The impact on Bulgakov was profound. While he continued to write, the constant censorship, suppression, and state interference took a toll on his spirit. His works became a powerful testament to the struggles of an artist under an authoritarian regime, trying to balance his innate drive for artistic truth with the state’s oppressive demands.
While Stalin’s patronage might have shielded Bulgakov from the darkest excesses of the regime, it also imprisoned him in a gilded cage. He became an artist who was allowed to work but not to express, a situation that no doubt affected the course and tenor of his literary legacy.
Bulgakov’s Literary Rebellion
“The Master and Margarita” stands as a testament to Bulgakov’s bravery and determination to express his artistic vision. After numerous rejections and revisions, Bulgakov completed the novel in the early 1940s, but it would not see the light of day until years after his death in 1940. The manuscript circulated among his close friends and literary circle, attaining an almost mythical status, as the author never lived to witness its publication.
Publication and Recognition
It was not until 1966, over two decades after Bulgakov’s death, that “The Master and Margarita” was published in a censored form in the Soviet Union. The novel immediately resonated with readers, who recognized its profound social critique and its rich blend of historical and fantastical elements. It quickly gained popularity and became an underground sensation, with samizdat (self-published) copies spreading across the country.
The Historical Context
“The Master and Margarita” intertwines its narrative with crucial historical events. Set in 1930s Moscow, the novel captures the atmosphere of Stalinist Russia, a time marked by fear, repression, and the disappearance of personal freedoms. Bulgakov’s portrayal of the absurdity and corruption of Soviet bureaucracy and the oppressive regime’s impact on ordinary people creates a chilling and surreal atmosphere throughout the book.
Satanic Intrigue
At the heart of the novel lies its most enigmatic and captivating character, Woland, the Devil himself. Woland and his retinue of demonic associates descend upon Moscow, wreaking havoc and exposing the hypocrisy and moral decay of Soviet society. Through Woland’s interactions with various characters, Bulgakov explores themes of good and evil, redemption, and the complexities of human nature.
The Love Story of the Master and Margarita
Amidst the chaos and darkness, the novel also presents a touching and poignant love story between the Master, a tormented writer, and Margarita, his devoted lover. Their relationship serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in a world turned upside down, offering a powerful counterpoint to the oppressive realities of Stalinist society.
Legacy and Global Impact
“The Master and Margarita” has achieved widespread acclaim and has been translated into numerous languages, captivating readers around the world. Its enduring popularity lies in its ability to transcend its historical context and resonate with audiences across cultures and time periods. Bulgakov’s masterful storytelling, intricate symbolism, and profound exploration of human nature continue to captivate and provoke thought.
Overview of Chapters
“The Master and Margarita” is a complex and multifaceted novel by Mikhail Bulgakov that blends satire, fantasy, and philosophical inquiry. Here’s a concise summary of its chapters:
- Never Talk with Strangers: The devil, disguised as a foreign professor named Woland, predicts the demise of Berlioz, a literary bureaucrat, and Ivan, a poet, is horrified when the prophecy comes true.
- Pontius Pilate: In a narrative that parallels the main story, Pontius Pilate condemns Yeshua Ha-Notsri (Jesus) to death, even though he finds no guilt in him.
- The Seventh Proof: Ivan tries to warn others about Woland but is considered insane and hospitalized.
- The Pursuit: Ivan escapes the hospital but is later recaptured.
- The Affair at Griboyedov’s: Woland and his retinue, including the mischievous cat Behemoth, create chaos at a literary gathering.
- Schizophrenia, as was Said: The novel introduces the Master, an unnamed writer tormented by society’s rejection, and his lover, Margarita.
- A Naughty Apartment: Mystical and horrifying events occur in Woland’s apartment, which is rumoured to be cursed.
- The Duel between the Professor and the Poet: Woland meets Ivan in the hospital and provides insights into the nature of good and evil.
- Koroviev’s Stunts: Woland’s retinue continues to wreak havoc across Moscow, exposing the hypocrisy and greed of its citizens.
- News from Yalta: Margarita learns about Woland and sees a potential way to reunite with the Master.
- Ivan Splits in Two: Ivan confronts his own beliefs and his understanding of reality.
- Black Magic and Its Exposure: Woland hosts a satirical magic show that lampoons the greed and vanity of Moscow’s elite.
- Enter the Hero: The Master recounts his tormented life and the public’s reception of his novel about Pontius Pilate.
- Saved by Cockcrow: The story of Pontius Pilate continues, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and fate.
- Nikanor Ivanovich’s Dream: A city official dreams of being caught in a bureaucratic nightmare, reflecting the absurdities of Soviet bureaucracy.
- The Execution: The narrative of Yeshua’s execution and its aftermath continues.
- A Day of Anxiety: Margarita makes a pact with Woland to become a witch, hoping it will lead her to the Master.
- Unwelcome Guests: Margarita uses her newfound powers to exact revenge on those who wronged the Master.
- The Master’s Fate: The Master’s struggles mirror those of Bulgakov himself, commenting on the challenges artists face in repressive societies.
- Marginal Notes: Woland’s retinue continues to challenge Moscow’s social and moral order.
- How the Procurator Tried to Save Judas of Kiriath: Pilate’s story converges with the main narrative, drawing parallels between Yeshua’s betrayal and the Master’s own experiences.
- The Master is Released: Woland fulfils his promise to Margarita, reuniting her with the Master.
- Time to Go: As Moscow descends into further chaos, Woland and his retinue prepare to leave.
- On Sparrow Hills: In a climactic confrontation, the destinies of the novel’s main characters are decided.
- The Burial: The story of Pontius Pilate reaches its tragic conclusion.
- Absolution and Eternal Refuge: The fates of the Master and Margarita are sealed, offering a meditation on the nature of redemption and the power of art.
Throughout the novel, Bulgakov weaves a tapestry of interconnected stories, delving deep into the nature of good and evil, the challenges of artistic expression, and the moral decay of society. The novel serves as a powerful critique of Soviet society and remains a testament to the enduring spirit of art and love.
The Redemption of Pontus Pilate
The book concludes with a profound resolution for the character of Pontius Pilate. He has been tormented for centuries by his decision to execute Yeshua Ha-Notsri (Jesus of Nazareth), and he’s been wandering in timelessness, trying to come to terms with his guilt.
Near the novel’s conclusion, Woland (Satan) and his retinue discuss the destiny of the Master and Margarita. Woland grants the Master peace but not light, allowing him to find respite from his suffering but not enlightenment. Margarita chooses to stay with him. Both are given refuge in the outskirts of time.
Yeshua then intercedes on behalf of Pontius Pilate, who has been trapped in a cycle of eternal torment over his role in Yeshua’s execution. Yeshua’s words are: “He has already been punished, for he has been alone without me for two thousand years… It’s enough.”
Following this, Pilate is finally freed. The culmination is described in the novel as follows:
Pilate rose from the stone armchair, and a man in white clothes, who had turned up from nowhere, helped him rise, and, supporting the decrepit body, led it out of the palace. Over Hegemon’s palace, over the city on the lake and over the country of Yershalaim soared the moon, lighting up the way to the man who was walking silently, supported by the Yeshua’s arm, to eternal rest.
In essence, Bulgakov presents an alternate redemption narrative. After two millennia of suffering and reflection, Pontius Pilate is forgiven by Yeshua and reunited with him, signifying the transformative power of mercy and understanding. This subplot serves as a poignant contrast and parallel to the Master and Margarita’s own story, emphasizing themes of redemption, compassion, and the enduring consequences of choices.
Conclusion: In Praise
“The Master and Margarita” is a literary masterpiece born out of a tumultuous era. Through its rich historical tapestry and thought-provoking narrative, Bulgakov’s novel transcends time and place, challenging readers to reflect on the nature of power, art, and the human condition. Its publication against all odds and its enduring legacy stand as a testament to the power of literature to transcend the boundaries of censorship and speak truth to power.
A Tapestry Woven Through Time
As the pages of “The Master and Margarita” unfold, they reveal more than just a story; they unveil a masterpiece intricately woven into the historical tapestry of the USSR. This novel’s popularity intertwines with the history of its era – the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. It stands as both a reflection of the past and a prophetic glimpse into the future.
Reflecting Absurdity and Cruelty
Bulgakov’s narrative, with its layers of satire and symbolism, becomes a mirror reflecting the absurdity and cruelty of the Soviet regime. The Devil’s visit to Moscow serves as a metaphor for the chaos and manipulation that defined Stalinist rule. Through Woland’s interactions, the novel questions the boundaries between good and evil, echoing the moral ambiguity of the era.
Echoes of Collapse
“The Master and Margarita” reverberates with the echoes of Soviet society’s collapse. As the USSR crumbled, the novel’s subversive spirit remained undiminished, inspiring readers to challenge authority and question the status quo. It became a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, art can triumph over oppression.
Timeless Struggle for Connection and Freedom
The novel’s thematic richness extends beyond its historical context. The love story between the Master and Margarita transcends time, embodying the timeless struggle for human connection and freedom. Woland’s enigmatic presence symbolizes the enduring allure of temptation, a force that humanity must eternally confront.
Capturing the Duality of the Human Experience
Bulgakov’s creation resonates deeply with the Russian soul and beyond. It captures the duality of the human experience – light and darkness, hope and despair. Its symbolism and allegory echo through generations, offering insight into the complex nature of existence.
A Deprivation of Literary Exploration
It is a tragedy that “The Master and Margarita” is not more widely taught in English-speaking schools. Its themes of artistic integrity, societal manipulation, and the search for truth are universal and relevant. To deny students the opportunity to explore its depths is to deprive them of a profound literary experience.
A Testament to Resilience
In a world where censorship still exists, and artistic expression is constrained, Bulgakov’s masterpiece stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, words have the power to transcend barriers and ignite change. As we immerse ourselves in the pages of “The Master and Margarita,” we embrace its wisdom and heed its call to question, to resist, and to illuminate the path ahead.