Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita is praised for its imaginative narrative, blending satire, romance, and supernatural elements. The novel's complex structure and vivid characters captivate readers, though some find it dense and challenging. Its critique of Soviet society and exploration of good and evil leave a lasting impact, despite occasional confusion stemming from its elaborate plot.

A reader who enjoys richly layered narratives, dark humor, and a mix of historical and fantastical elements will be captivated by The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. Fans of 1984 by George Orwell and The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie will appreciate its satirical brilliance and profound exploration of good and evil.

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov intertwines two narratives: one follows Satan disguised as Woland in 1930s Moscow, causing chaos and exposing societal corruption, while the other recounts Pontius Pilate's confrontation with Jesus Christ (Yeshua) in Jerusalem. The story explores themes of power, truth, and redemption, centering on the love between the Master, an imprisoned author, and Margarita, who becomes a witch to reunite with him.

Mysterious / Dark / Fantastical / Unnerving / Bittersweet

- The Master and Margarita was written by Mikhail Bulgakov over a period of more than a decade, from 1928 to 1940, and was published posthumously in the 1960s after being censored by the Soviet authorities.
- The novel is renowned for its imaginative and satirical elements, including its famous characters like Woland, who is a representation of Satan, and a talking cat named Behemoth.
- Mikhail Bulgakov drew inspiration for some of the novel's settings from his own home, as he lived in the infamous communal apartment building in Moscow nicknamed "The Bad Apartment," which has since become a literary landmark.

**Woland**  
A mysterious and powerful figure who arrives in 1930s Moscow, adopting the guise of a foreign professor to assess the moral character of its inhabitants.

**The Master**  
An enigmatic writer whose unfinished novel about Pontius Pilate leads him into conflict with the literary elite and results in his retreat to an asylum.

**Margarita**  
A passionate and determined woman deeply in love with the Master, embarking on a surreal journey that challenges and showcases her inner strength.

**Pontius Pilate**  
The Roman procurator of Judea whose complex character and encounters with Yeshua Ha-Notsri are chronicled in the Master's novel, revealing his historical and personal struggles.

Mikhail Bulgakov

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Master and Margarita reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Master and Margarita | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Master and Margarita and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Master and Margarita Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

The Master and Margarita Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-12

The Master and Margarita Part 1, Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 13-18

The Master and Margarita Part 1, Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-25

The Master and Margarita Part 2, Chapters 19-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 26-Epilogue

The Master and Margarita Part 2, Chapters 26-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Master and Margarita Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Master and Margarita Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Master and Margarita Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Master and Margarita Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Master and Margarita Essay Topics

The Master and Margarita

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Master and Margarita?

Reading Age

Book Details