The Master and Margarita: Faith, Evil, and the Illusion of Reality

In this episode, we delve into Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita, a satirical masterpiece that intertwines the story of contemporary Moscow with ancient Jerusalem. Through the character of Woland, who represents Satan, and his enigmatic entourage, Bulgakov explores profound themes of good versus evil, faith versus doubt, and the nature of reality versus illusion. We examine the intertwined narratives—one focusing on the Master, a tortured novelist, and his lover Margarita, and the other recounting the story of Pontius Pilate and Yeshua Ha-Nozri. Join us as we explore the paradoxical forces at play, with insights drawn from Goethe’s Faust that set the stage for this rich, multi-layered tale.