Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita: philosophy, theology, politics

About this course

This course examines The Master and Margarita as more than satire or fantasy, considering its ideas about evil, freedom, truth, artistic responsibility and moral courage. Discussion moves between the novel’s Moscow and Jerusalem narratives, its treatment of the Passion, its depiction of totalitarian power and the significance of its ending. Teaching is structured by a presentation, with handouts directing attention to selected passages and the philosophical, theological and political questions they raise. Participants develop interpretive frameworks for considering Woland’s role, the novel’s treatment of cowardice, and the distinction between light and peace.

What you'll learn

• Identify the principal philosophical, theological and political approaches used to interpret the novel.
• Analyse the relationship between its Moscow and Jerusalem narrative strands.
• Interpret Woland’s role within the novel’s moral system.
• Examine Bulgakov’s treatment of the Passion and the significance of cowardice.
• Assess the novel’s critique of totalitarian power and its closing distinction between light and peace.

Is this course right for you?

The course is introductory and intended for learners who have read, or are in the process of reading, The Master and Margarita. No other qualifications or specific skills are required. Participation involves listening to and discussing philosophical, theological and political ideas, including interpretations with which learners may disagree.

• Designed for learners approaching the novel through more than a purely literary reading.
• Requires familiarity with the novel, either through prior reading or reading it during the course.
• Taught entirely in English.

Before you go

• Learners should have read, or be in the process of reading, The Master and Margarita.
• Bringing a personal copy of the novel is optional.
• The course is taught entirely in English.