Topic #1The Master and Margarita is set in two cities: Moscow, where Woland, the master, and Margarita are at the center of the plot, and Yershalaim, where the drama of Yeshua and Pilate drives the plot forward. Analyze the juxtaposition of these two plot settings and examine the meaning of this juxtaposition

I. Thesis Statement: The Master and Margarita establishes the plot setting in biblical Yershalaim as real and the plot setting in communist Moscow as false. In doing this, it argues that the existence of God and the devil, called absurd by Communist leaders and party members, is real. In contrast, by depicting an array of fantastic, surreal events happening in Moscow, the novel argues that communist Moscow is absurd and fundamentally unreal.

II. Realism and credibility of Yershalaim narrative.

A. Before beginning to tell Pilate story, Woland declares “Jesus did exist.” B. Plain descriptions of Herod’s palace, Pilate, Yeshua, and Kaifa. C. Yeshua’s simple, non-rhetorical language.

D. Crude physicality of the execution scene.

E. Pilate’s weary, subdued nature, and hunger for sensual pleasure.

F. Judas’s desire for money and Niza leading him to death.

G. Aphranius’s grim, violent character.

III. Absurdity and deceptiveness in Moscow narrative.

A. Surrealism of initial chapter and Berlioz’s death. B. Incredible speed of Ivan’s chase and Ivan’s inability to catch Woland. C. Styopa’s removal from apartment 50 to the jetty at Yalta. D. The refusal to believe Ivan’s testimony about Berlioz’s death.

E. Koroviev’s bribe and the arrest of Bosoy.

F. Woland’s bizarre magic show.

G. Bosoy’s dream of the public exposure of currency hoarders.

H. The guests at Satan’s ball, and apartment 50’s conversion to ballroom.

I. Woland and retinue vanish when pursued by police air

J. Inability of secret police to catch Woland and retinue or uncover their actions. Persecution of innocent parties in epilogue.

IV. Conclusion

A. Suffering and realism of Yershalaim characters presents them as believable.

B. Fantastic events and duplicity in Moscow make reader question reality and legitimacy of Stalin regime.

C. The novel rejects the bizarreness and cruelty of Moscow narrative as false and accepts the biblically inspired Yershalaim narrative as real Topic #2
When Woland and his retinue descend on Moscow, they interact with many different characters. These characters have various responses to their contact with Woland and his retinue. Examine the master and Margarita’s response to Woland and its significance for the novel as a whole.

I. Thesis Statement:

The master and Margarita are the only two Moscow characters who are willing and able to confront the supernatural realm Woland inhabits. In their confrontation, they exhibit the courage all the other Moscow characters lack. By virtue of their courage and devotion, they are the heroes of the novel, and are rewarded by being granted peace at the novel’s conclusion.

II. The master’s response to Woland and the supernatural

A. Writes Pilate manuscript.

B. Talks with Ivan about the Pilate story and recognizes the professor is Satan.

C. Recognizes Woland’s true identity immediately.

D. Proclaims himself afraid of nothing.

E. Anticipates encounter with Pilate and grants Pilate freedom.

III. Margarita’s response to Woland and the supernatural.

A. Interprets dream as meaning she will reunite with the master.

B. Agrees to Azazello’s invitation to visit Woland.

C. Welcomes being transformed into witch.

D. Enjoys her reception by the river after ending her flight.

E. Successfully carries out her duties as hostess of Satan’s ball.

F. Grants Frieda her freedom and makes the master appear.

G. Suffers no psychic damage from visit to Woland.

H. Trusts that everything will turn out well.

IV. The master and Margarita’s...