Reference no: EM131271543 , Length: 6

Write the essay about the novel "The Master and Margarita" and how the author Bulgakov goes against socialist realism.

The prompt is:-
Give an example from each one of the three narrative types in The Master and Margarita (the Moscow chapters, the Pontius Pilate chapters, and the Master and Margarita chapters) to illustrate ways in which Bulgakov defies socialist realism, the mandated literary style in Russia during the period Bulgakov composed the novel. You can find explanations of socialist realism online; visit several sites so that you have more information. In rejecting socialist realism, what does Bulgakov regard as the purpose of literature?

Your essay should be 4-6 pages, typed, double-spaced and should include a brief introduction with a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs beginning with clear topic sentences that let me know the main point of the paragraph, specific and detailed examples from the novel including page citations, and a brief conclusion.

Don't include plot summary, and choose passages other than those we analyzed in class unless you can offer new insights.

Also include a works cited page that includes your edition of the novel and the websites you consulted. These citations should follow MLA format.

Socialist Realism notes (definitions taken from on-line encyclopedias)
1. Meant to be faithful and objective mirror of life but actually presents an idealized or romantic view of classless society.
a. Where do we find romantic or ideal depictions in Bulgakov? How do these depictions compare or contrast with those of socialist realism? Are they presented ironically or not? If sincere, does Bulgakov's sincerity differ from that of socialist realism?

2. Hero who perseveres against all odds.
a. Compare with the Master.

b. He's a failure in terms of getting his novel published or even in terms of remaining faithful to his art; however, his work is validated by Yeshua, and he's allowed to finish the last line of the novel which frees Pilate or bears witness to the freeing of Pilate.

c. Master's ending is ambiguous; he's rewarded for having aspired to write by being given peace, but he's not given light.

d. You could compare the meaning of enlightenment in Bulgakov and in socialist realism.

e. Socialist realism doesn't like ambiguity; the message has to be clear.

f. You could also consider Yeshua and Pilate as heroic figures in comparison with those depicted within socialist realism. Are they successful in the end?

3. Painting and sculpture: naturalistic idealization of party workers and farmers.
a. Bulgakov doesn't depict this class, which is an act of defiance in itself.

b. Moves away from naturalism with his inclusion of magic and the supernatural.

4. All material goods and material production shared by communists as a whole.
a. Sense of classless society looked forward to with Yeshua's words that the temple of the old faith will fall; emperor will no longer be necessary.

b. Look at different contexts of these two claims.

c. What does it mean that Bulgakov presents this notion of equality in religious rather than in political terms?

5. Stalin wanted to create a new human being; referred to practitioners of socialist realism as engineers of souls.
a. Does Woland play this role in the novel? How successful is he?

b. Does Yeshua play this role?

c. Stravinsky's clinic is another place where we see the engineering of souls; patients are brought back to rationality, which is an acceptance of the status quo.

6. Denial of religious truth implicit.
a. Use Pilate and Moscow chapters to comment.

7. Tragedy and negativity not permitted.
a. Where is tragedy in the novel?

b. Rejection of Master's work is tragic for Muscovites from Bulgakov's point of view.

8. Moral ambiguity not permitted; people and situations must be presented as all good or all bad.
a. Comment on Bulgakov's refusal to create a clear dichotomy of good and evil with Woland and Yeshua.

9. You can also do some research into other aspects of Soviet society during this time if you can correlate with novel.