The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov | Summary and Foreword

 

Summary and Foreword of "The Master and Margarita

by Olivia Salter

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"The Master and Margarita" is a novel by Mikhail Bulgakov that blends fantasy, romance, and political satire, set in Soviet Russia. The narrative is complex, interweaving two main plots: one set in Moscow during the 1930s, and the other in ancient Jerusalem during the time of Pontius Pilate.

Plot Overview:

The novel opens with the arrival of a mysterious man named Woland (the Devil) and his retinue, which includes a talking cat named Behemoth, a witch named Hella, and various other supernatural beings. Woland arrives in Moscow, creating chaos and confusion among the city's elite and intellectuals, exposing their hypocrisy and greed.

The Moscow Plot:

In Moscow, Woland holds a ball where he reveals the hidden desires and vices of the guests. Meanwhile, a writer known as the Master has been living in obscurity, having written a novel about Pontius Pilate and the trial of Jesus Christ. The Master’s work is rejected by the literary establishment, leading him to a state of despair. He is in love with a woman named Margarita, who remains devoted to him despite his struggles.

Margarita learns of her lover's suffering and decides to confront the forces that have oppressed him. She makes a pact with Woland, becoming his servant in exchange for the opportunity to reunite with the Master. Woland grants her the power to transform into a witch, allowing her to fly through the night skies.

As Woland wreaks havoc in Moscow, Margarita attends the grand ball he hosts, where she is reunited with the Master. Together, they navigate the chaos created by Woland, who uses his powers to expose the darker sides of human nature.

The Jerusalem Plot:

Interspersed with the Moscow events is the story of Pontius Pilate and his encounter with Jesus, referred to as Yeshua Ha-Notsri in the novel. Pilate struggles with his conscience as he sentences Yeshua to death for claiming to be the King of the Jews. The narrative delves into Pilate's internal conflict and his interactions with Yeshua, showcasing themes of power, guilt, and the nature of truth.

As the two plots unfold, they eventually intertwine, with the Master’s novel about Pilate reflecting the historical events. The Master’s relationship with Margarita symbolizes love and redemption, a stark contrast to the cruelty and corruption depicted in Moscow.

Climax and Resolution:

In the climax, Margarita and the Master confront Woland, who ultimately reveals his true nature and intentions. The Master is granted peace, and he and Margarita are reunited in a peaceful afterlife, free from the struggles they faced in the mortal world. Woland and his retinue leave Moscow, having executed their chaotic plans, and the city returns to normalcy, albeit with the memories of the surreal events lingering.

Themes:

The novel explores themes of love, the struggle between good and evil, the nature of power, and the role of the artist in society. It critiques the oppressive nature of Soviet bureaucracy while also delving into philosophical questions about faith and morality.

Conclusion:

"The Master and Margarita" is a rich and multifaceted work that blends elements of the supernatural with profound philosophical inquiries. The intertwining stories of the Master, Margarita, and Pontius Pilate create a tapestry that reflects the complexities of human nature, love, and the eternal battle between light and darkness. Through its vivid imagery and intricate narrative, Bulgakov’s novel continues to resonate with readers, inviting them to ponder the deeper meanings of existence and the power of love.

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FOREWORD

Mikhail Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita" stands as one of the most significant and enigmatic works of literature from the 20th century. Written during a time of profound political repression in Soviet Russia, the novel embodies a courageous act of artistic expression, blending fantastical elements with incisive social critique. Its journey to publication was fraught with challenges; Bulgakov's manuscript endured censorship and revisions, and it was not published in its entirety until decades after his death. Yet, this struggle only amplifies the novel's themes of love, truth, and the human spirit's resilience.

At its heart, "The Master and Margarita" is a tale of duality. It intertwines the lives of the Master, a writer tormented by his passion and the harsh realities of a society that scorns creative freedom, and Margarita, his devoted lover, who undertakes a transformative journey to reclaim their love. The novel boldly introduces the character of Woland, a mysterious figure who embodies the Devil, along with his retinue of fantastical beings, who turn Moscow upside down, revealing the city's moral and ethical failings. Through their antics, Bulgakov critiques the hypocrisy and absurdity of the bureaucratic regime, inviting readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature.

Simultaneously, Bulgakov transports us to ancient Jerusalem, where the story of Pontius Pilate unfolds in a poignant examination of power, guilt, and redemption. The juxtaposition of these two narratives—the surreal and the historical—serves to challenge our understanding of reality, truth, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

As you embark on this journey through "The Master and Margarita," prepare to be captivated by Bulgakov's rich prose, vivid imagery, and profound philosophical reflections. This novel invites readers to question the nature of existence and the complexities of love, faith, and artistic expression. It is a timeless work that not only reflects the struggles of its time but continues to resonate with the human experience today.

In the pages that follow, you will discover a world where the boundaries of reality blur, where the power of love can transcend time and space, and where the search for meaning in a chaotic universe unfolds with both humor and gravitas. Welcome to the extraordinary realm of "The Master and Margarita," a literary masterpiece that dares to explore the depths of the human soul.

Olivia Salter

10/10/2024

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The Call of the Blood by Robert Hichens

The Call of the Blood 

 

by Robert Hichens

 

 Summary by Olivia Salter

The Call of the Blood by Robert Hichens is a novel published in 1911. It is a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge with a deep exploration of human nature. The novel tells the story of Michael Arranstoun, a wealthy Scottish landowner, and his obsession with his son's wife, Sheila.

The novel is set in the Scottish Highlands in the early 20th century. Michael is a proud and powerful man who is deeply attached to the land he inherited from his ancestors. But when his son marries a beautiful young woman, Sheila, he finds himself drawn to her in a way that he cannot control.

Sheila is a young and innocent girl who falls in love with Michael's son, but soon realizes that he is not the man she thought he was. She turns to Michael for comfort and support, but he takes advantage of her vulnerability and seduces her. Sheila becomes pregnant with Michael's child, leading to a series of events that change the course of their lives.

The novel explores the theme of the "call of the blood," which refers to the primal instincts that drive us towards our desires, regardless of social norms or moral values. Michael is driven by his love for Sheila, which he believes is his birthright as a powerful landowner. Sheila is torn between her love for Michael's son and her growing attraction towards Michael himself.

The characters in the novel are well-drawn and complex, with their motivations and desires driving the plot forward. Michael is a man who is driven by his passion for the land and his family, but also by his desire for Sheila. Sheila is a young girl who is forced to navigate the complexities of a family she has married into, while dealing with her own desires and ambitions.

The novel is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the emotions of the characters. The story is tightly woven and suspenseful, with a sense of inevitability as the characters' actions lead towards a tragic end.

In conclusion, The Call of the Blood is a gripping novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the power of desire. Robert Hichens expertly weaves together the themes of love, betrayal, and revenge to create a powerful story that keeps readers engaged to the very end. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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About the Author 

Robert Hichens (Robert Smythe Hichens, 14 November 1864 – 20 July 1950) was an English journalist, novelist, music lyricist, short story writer, music critic and collaborated on successful plays. He is best remembered as a satirist of the "Naughty Nineties". Wikipedia

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Twilight Sleep by Edith Wharton

 

Twilight Sleep

 

by Edith Wharton

 

Novel Summary by Olivia Salter

 

Twilight Sleep is a novel by the American author Edith Wharton, published in 1927. Set in the 1920s, the novel explores the lives of a wealthy New York family and the societal changes that were occurring during the time period.

The title "Twilight Sleep" refers to a popular drug-induced form of anesthesia that was used during childbirth in the early 20th century. The metaphorical use of the title suggests the numbness and detachment from reality that the characters experience in their privileged lives.

The story follows the lives of Pauline Manford and her family, including her husband Dexter and their children, as well as their extended family and friends. The Manfords are part of New York's elite society and are consumed with superficial social events and the pursuit of material wealth. They are also struggling to keep up with the changing times, as the younger generation begins to reject the values and traditions of their parents.

Pauline is a middle-aged woman who is searching for meaning and purpose in her life. She becomes involved in a spiritual movement called "The New Hope" which promises to bring enlightenment and happiness to its followers. The New Hope movement is a thinly-veiled critique of the popular New Thought movement of the time.

As Pauline becomes more involved in The New Hope, she begins to lose touch with reality and becomes increasingly detached from her family and friends. She is also torn between her loyalty to her husband and her attraction to a charismatic artist named Amory Manning.

Through the character of Pauline, Wharton explores the themes of identity, spirituality, and the changing social landscape of the 1920s. The novel also delves into the themes of gender and sexuality, as Pauline struggles to reconcile her desires with the societal expectations placed upon her as a wife and mother.

Wharton's writing in Twilight Sleep is characterized by her trademark wit and social commentary. The novel is a biting satire of the upper-class society of the time, and Wharton uses her characters to criticize the shallow and materialistic values that were prevalent in the 1920s.

In conclusion, Twilight Sleep is a thought-provoking novel that explores the lives of a wealthy New York family during a time of societal change. Edith Wharton's writing is sharp and insightful, and her characters are complex and multi-dimensional. The novel is a commentary on the shifting values of the 1920s and a critique of the superficiality of the upper-class society of the time.

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About the Author 

Edith Wharton (/ˈhwɔːrtən/; born Edith Newbold Jones; January 24, 1862 – August 11, 1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer. Wharton drew upon her insider's knowledge of the upper class New York "aristocracy" to realistically portray the lives and morals of the Gilded Age. In 1921, she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Literature, for her novel The Age of Innocence. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1996. Among her other well known works are The House of Mirth and the novella Ethan Frome. Wikipedia 

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