The Master and Margarita Book Summary

by Mikhail Bulgakov90

TL;DR

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov masterfully blends magical realism and satire to critique Soviet life, exploring themes of good vs. evil, corruption, and human fragility.

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What is The Master and Margarita about

The Master and Margarita, written by Mikhail Bulgakov during Stalin's oppressive reign, is a brilliant satire of Soviet society. The novel intertwines two narrative strands: one set in 1930s Moscow, where the Devil, disguised as Professor Woland, exposes the corruption of the Soviet elite, and another set in ancient Jerusalem, recounting the story of Pontius Pilate and Jesus. Through a mix of grotesque, magical, and realistic elements, Bulgakov explores deep ethical concerns, human fragility, and the enduring power of love. Although completed in 1940, the novel faced censorship and was only published posthumously in 1966, quickly becoming an enduring success.

The Master and Margarita 7 Key Takeaways

Introduction of Woland

The novel begins with the Devil, disguised as Professor Woland, arriving in Moscow with his retinue, leading to a series of bizarre and chaotic events.

The Master and Margarita's Love Story

The Master, a repressed novelist, is in a psychiatric ward after trying to tell the story of Jesus. Margarita, his lover, makes a pact with Woland to be reunited with him.

Pontius Pilate's Story

Interwoven with the Moscow narrative is the story of Pontius Pilate, who reluctantly sentences Jesus to death, exploring themes of guilt and redemption.

Margarita's Transformation

Margarita becomes a witch to save the Master, gaining supernatural abilities and hosting a grand ball for Woland.

Reunion and Redemption

Margarita's bravery leads to her reunion with the Master, who is granted peace by Woland. Pilate, too, finds redemption as he converses with Jesus in the afterlife.

Moscow's Chaos

Woland's antics expose the hypocrisy and corruption of Moscow's society, leading to chaos and ultimately revealing the absurdity of the Soviet regime.

Conclusion

The novel concludes with Woland leaving Moscow, having fulfilled his purpose of exposing the moral decay of the Soviet elite.

Top The Master and Margarita Quotes

  • 'Manuscripts don’t burn.' - The Master
  • 'What would your good do if evil didn’t exist, and what would the earth look like if all the shadows disappeared?' - Woland

Who should read The Master and Margarita?

The Master and Margarita is ideal for readers interested in satirical literature, Russian history, and philosophical explorations of good and evil. Fans of magical realism and those seeking a deep, thought-provoking narrative will find this novel particularly rewarding.

About the Author

Mikhail Bulgakov (1891-1940) was a Russian writer, playwright, and physician. His most renowned work, The Master and Margarita, is considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Despite facing censorship and persecution under Stalin's regime, Bulgakov's works have endured, celebrated for their wit, imagination, and profound commentary on society. Other notable works include 'The White Guard' and 'Heart of a Dog.'

The Master and Margarita Best Reviews

  • 'Nothing in the whole of literature compares with The Master and Margarita. Full of pungency and wit, this luminous work is Bulgakov's crowning achievement.' - The Times Literary Supplement
  • 'A dazzling, kaleidoscopic novel full of thrilling incidents, incredible characters, and biting satire.' - The New York Review of Books

The Master and Margarita FAQs

What is the book The Master and Margarita about?

The Master and Margarita is a satirical, quasi-biblical allegory that explores themes of good and evil, corruption, human fragility, and the endurance of love, set against the backdrop of Soviet Moscow and ancient Jerusalem.

Why was The Master and Margarita censored?

The novel was censored due to its depiction of unregulated female power, sexuality, and its portrayal of a USSR that existed parallel to the celestial realms, challenging the Soviet regime's control.

Why is The Master and Margarita worth reading?

The novel encourages readers not to take themselves too seriously and injects a note of silliness and absurdity into serious matters, making it a delightful yet profound read.