Spiritual Crisis in the midst of Social Chaos and Disorder: A Character Interpretation of The Master and Marguerite

Abstract

Times evolve, and society is in a state of perpetual flux. The lives and spiritual landscapes of citizens amidst this vortex of change are of utmost interest. The narrative of The Master and Margarita is situated in an era of perpetual unrest and transformation within the Soviet Union, where citizens are embroiled in profound spiritual quandaries. Through two parallel strands of magical portrayal, the novel profoundly exposes the social crisis and unrest that Russia is grappling with. The rapid societal progress has also given rise to a sense of emptiness and bewilderment among citizens, who have forfeited their spiritual aspirations and are now enslaved by material possessions. This paper will delve into the portrayal of the key characters - the master, the poet Ivan, and the ordinary Moscow citizens. It will examine their life experiences, emotional shifts, and inner worlds, while unpacking the spiritual travail of cowardice, anxiety, internal distortion, and spiritual agony amidst the onslaught of pressure, value misalignment, and disorientation.