Evil and Good

Anto Berberian

 Ms. Meerson

English

27 April 2016

Outline

1. Within Master and Margarita, evil characters like Woland perform inherently good deeds and other normal citizens encourage dealing and shady business confuses the evil and good.

1. Woland performs good deeds, however it is confusing because he is the devil.

a. “To make a call? Well, then make your call,’ the sick man agreed sadly, and suddenly begged passionately: ‘But I implore you, before you go, at least believe that the devil exists! I no longer ask you for anything more.” (Bulgakov, pg 56)

i. The sick man knows that the devil exists due to all the terrible things that are occurring in Moscow. Some people in Moscow are realizing that there is something evil lurking because of  the people missing.

ii. However Berlioz and Ivan think it's ridiculous to believe in a such a “supernatural” creature. There are evident evil supernatural forces in play and the main person involved is the devil himself Woland.

b. “Yesterday afternoon he arrived in Moscow from abroad, went immediately to Styopa, and offered his show to the Variety.”( Bulgakov, pg 92)

i. Woland arrived in Moscow to perform “black magic”.

ii. It is obvious that Woland is using this to forward his agenda and fulfill his purpose. This Is part of his plan to show that the devil is in Moscow. He shows supernatural things.

c.  He’s not a foreigner... He’s not a foreigner...’ he thought, ‘he’s a most peculiar specimen ... but, excuse me, who is he then? ...’ ( Bulgakov, pg 28)

i. Berlioz realized that there was something really different about Woland. He was referred to as the stranger and people sensed a sort of supernatural vibe.

ii. Woland is way different from others and he is from another world.

Woland is a supernatural creature. He is the devil form a different world. He enters the real world and instigates things . He is like a foreigner but proves to be no fool. He has powers that no one else posses. These supernatural powers were evident throughout the novel.

2. Woland  is a manifestation of what evil people do and he has no walk nature

a. “‘Tear his head off!’ someone up in the gallery said severely.”( Bulgakov pg 136)

i. This was a request from a random guy in the audience in the gallery. This shows that the general public wanted something evil to this man.

ii. The devil Woland simply granted their wishes. He has not personal choice in the matter. His nature I think is neither evil or good. The crowd might've wanted his head off because he was rich.

b. “They love money, but that has always been so... Mankind loves money, whatever it’s made of- leather, paper, bronze, gold. Well, they’re light-minded ... well, what of it ... mercy sometimes knocks at their hearts ... ordinary people... In general, reminiscent of the former ones ... only the housing problem has corrupted them...’ And he ordered loudly: ‘Put the head on.” ( Bulgakov 138)

i. Woland is talking about people and how their desires are directly link with money. He also says that people are “light-minded” (another word for stupid).