Anton P. Chekhov and Mikhail A. Bulgakov: Chekhov’s trace in “The Master and Margarita”

Abstract

The research examines the presence of A.P. Chekhov’s works in M.A. Bulgakov’s novel “The Master and Margarita”. It is established that Bulgakov drew inspiration from Chekhov’s principles, particularly those outlined in Chekhov’s “Autobiography”, when depicting medical events in his novel. This is evident, for example, in the poisoning episode involving the main characters. It is demonstrated that Chekhov’s story “The Black Monk” greatly influenced the creation of the main and supporting characters in “The Master and Margaruta”, additionally the climactic Great Ball at Satan’s. Both Chekhov’s story and Bulgakov’s novel offer rational explanations to the characters’ mental disorders; however, these explanations are not exhaustive, allowing room for the mystical elements in the plots.