The Master and Margarita: The Devil only Knows

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   I just have to say that I am loving this book! I'm not being sarcastic, I sincerely enjoy reading this! It's full of intrigue, mystery, flawed characters, and suspense. I couldn't put it down. However, it seems to me that this work belongs in last semester where we had a running theme of devils. In this book, we have a group of four mysterious individuals with supernatural power. I feel as though we have only gotten a taste of their true potential for evil. I cannot decide if they are demons, embodiments of Satan himself, or just demon-possessed humans (and a cat). I have to laugh every time a character says "the devil only knows" because so far it seems like they are spot on. It appears as though the devil is orchestrating this entire ordeal with a simple wave of his hand. I look forward to the magic show Professor Woland is going to put on. Will his true intentions be revealed here? I'm still waiting for Pontius Pilate scene to make sense. I haven't figured out how it fits into the story as a whole. My biggest question is the identity of the narrator of this story. For some reason, I get the sense that they are a devious character, too.

P.S. I commented on Zelda and Will's posts.

Comments

  1. Zelda PeachMarch 25, 2018 at 9:57 PM

    I also am very excited for the Professor Woland act!!! I cannot imagine what it will consist of, which makes the whole thing altogether even more exciting. As far as the narrator having a separate identity, I never thought of it that way while reading the book, although I like the idea of it. If the narrator was a separate character, it would add a whole new layer to this already crazy complex plot.

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  2. Will BradyMarch 26, 2018 at 10:21 PM

    These devilish figures are certainly a far cry from the devils of the Romantic era, running theme or not... There’s no tragic heroes or sly gentlemen here. Everyone remotely Satanic in this story is absolutely bonkers.

    As far as Pilate goes, maybe it’s meant to present the idea that there is no Jesus or redemption in this book? That in this world, he was just a man who Pilate executed? We obviously haven’t read enough to know, but you saw in my blog how I thought the Romantic themes of divinity are missing so far. Is this a world where God is dead?

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  3. Natalie SchulerMarch 26, 2018 at 10:33 PM

    I think the Pilate scene is actually supposed to be from Ivan's book? But then that belief was questioned by the end of it when it said "and it was about 10 in the morning" and then the Professor said the same thing at the beginning of chapter three....

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  4. Phillip VoMarch 26, 2018 at 10:44 PM

    I think it is somewhat of value to consider that the Bulgakov was a Christian (if I am not mistaken). That being said, since this book deals with satan and his side of things, that would be a good point to say that maybe there is no redemption coming for those who deal with him.

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  5. Ty GoramMarch 26, 2018 at 11:13 PM

    There's a lot of good ideas on who the narrator would be, so I'm gonna toy with that while we read through this. I have a feeling Woland's "magic" is truly going to be something spectacular.

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  6. Brenna StringfellowMarch 26, 2018 at 11:49 PM

    Okay yes this Pontius Pilate chapter made no sense to me! I will say though after reading your post it made me understand this story way better than what my originally, confused self did. I did get the vibe there was some kind of anti religious, devil thing going on especially since there is no belief in God.

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