Master and Margarita

by Mikhail Bulgakov

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Summary

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The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov is a multifaceted narrative weaving together three distinct yet interrelated realities. It explores modern-day Moscow's bizarre encounters with satanic visitors, the historical crucifixion of Yeshua Ha-Notsri, and the poignant romance between the mysterious Master and his beloved Margarita. The novel's intricacies unfold through these interconnected tales, each shedding light on themes of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural.

Encounters at Patriarch's Ponds

One evening in Moscow, Mikhail Alexandrovich Berlioz, a prominent literary editor, and Ivan Nikolayevich Ponyryov, a poet also known as Bezdomny, meet at Patriarch’s Ponds. They discuss a poem Berlioz commissioned from Ivan, which he believes needs revision because it portrays Jesus as a real figure, a notion Berlioz dismisses. As Berlioz explains his atheist viewpoint and the history of religion, they are interrupted by the enigmatic Professor Woland, who confidently asserts the existence of Jesus. Berlioz's skepticism is met with Woland’s unsettling prediction of his decapitation before the day concludes. The narrative then takes a dramatic turn as Woland begins recounting the story of Pontius Pilate.

Pilate's Dilemma

The scene shifts to ancient Yershalaim, where Pilate is presented with the case of Yeshua, accused of inciting rebellion and advocating for the downfall of Emperor Tiberius. Despite Pilate's personal reluctance, Yeshua is sentenced to death. Back in Moscow, Woland’s prophecy comes true as Berlioz meets his end under the wheels of a streetcar. In the aftermath, Ivan tries in vain to pursue Woland and his eccentric companions, including a choirmaster named Korovyov and a giant cat named Behemoth. Ivan's attempts to recount these bizarre events result in his institutionalization in an asylum.

Unveiling the Infernal

Theater of Deception
The following day, Styopa Likhodeyev, the director of the Variety Theater and Berlioz's roommate, awakens to find Woland in his home. Woland informs Styopa of his approval for seven performances of black magic at the theater, a fact Styopa struggles to remember. Despite confusion, the contract bears Styopa’s signature, implicating him in Woland’s scheme. Woland introduces his bizarre retinue: Behemoth, Korovyov, and Azazello, and insists on residing in apartment number 50, notorious for its previous tenants’ mysterious disappearances. Styopa is soon whisked away to Yalta, as Woland’s entourage unleashes chaos in his absence.

In the theater, Woland hosts a performance of black magic, culminating in macabre events, including the decapitation of the master of ceremonies. The audience is showered with currency that later transforms into mundane objects, adding to the pandemonium. Meanwhile, Ivan, still at the asylum, encounters the Master, who shares his tumultuous story. The Master, an aspiring writer, reveals his obsession with a novel about Pontius Pilate, a passion shared with his "secret wife," Margarita. However, relentless criticism drove him to destroy his manuscript, leading to his current state of despair.

Dreams and Revelations

Ivan dreams of Pilate’s story, where condemned men march to their deaths. Levi Matvei watches, burdened by guilt, as a storm approaches and the prisoners are granted a merciful end. In these visions, Ivan glimpses the deeper layers of betrayal, faith, and redemption woven into Pilate’s tale.

The Witch's Flight

Transformation and Vengeance
As Woland continues his reign of chaos, Margarita yearns for the Master, immersing herself in the remnants of his novel. Her path leads her to a park where she witnesses Berlioz’s funeral and crosses paths with Azazello, who orchestrates a meeting with Woland. Azazello provides Margarita with a magical cream, promising renewal. Upon applying it, Margarita transforms into a witch, filling her with newfound power. Azazello later guides her to fly over Moscow to meet Woland, during which she avenges the Master by wreaking havoc on...

(This entire section contains 939 words.)

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the home of the critic Latunsky. Margarita's maid, Natasha, joins her in witchcraft, while another acquaintance becomes a pig.

At Satan’s grand ball, Margarita shines as the hostess, entertaining a parade of infamous and malicious guests. Amidst the macabre festivities, Baron Maigel is brutally murdered. Margarita’s role earns her a reward from Woland—she chooses to reunite with her beloved Master. Their reunion is initially bewildering for the Master, but as Woland presents him with an untouched copy of his manuscript, he understands his love and work are restored. Woland then allows the couple and other affected characters to return to their lives, although Natasha opts to remain a witch.

Deceits Unraveled

As the Pilate narrative progresses, he confides in Afranius, the head of the secret police, about the orchestrated murder of Judas of Kerioth, Yeshua's betrayer. Pilate’s role in Judas’s death and his conversation with Levi, who took Yeshua’s body, expose the moral complexities at the heart of Pilate’s story.

Final Reckoning

A New Dawn
With Woland’s mischief unraveling, an official investigation begins, while Ivan remains troubled by vivid dreams of Pilate and Yeshua’s execution site. A confrontation at apartment number 50 sees investigators clash with Behemoth, but miraculously, no harm comes to them. Instead, the building is set ablaze, a testament to the mischief Behemoth and Korovyov persist in spreading across the city.

Levi delivers a message from Yeshua to Woland, requesting "peace" for the Master, which Woland grants by offering poisoned wine to the Master and Margarita. As they pass from the mortal world, they join Woland’s retinue, who reveal their true forms in flight. Eventually, they meet Pontius Pilate, doomed to wait with his loyal dog for two millennia. The Master frees Pilate by concluding his unfinished narrative, allowing Pilate to finally join Yeshua. Although enlightenment is denied the Master and Margarita, their eternal reward is a serene cottage where they can live out their days together in peace.

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