Epilogue (Cracked Wristwatch)

I was particularly interested in the way in which society attempted to rationalize the seemingly insane (but true) events that took place in Moscow.  Throughout the novel, characters were constantly trying to rationalize the mad truth, but I would have thought this might change at the end.  In other words, it seems that for the most part the attitude of the people has not really changed.  What then was the significance of Woland’s visit if it did not change the mindset of the general Russian population?  People rationalize the strange events by blaming Woland’s ability to hypnotize and don’t seem to take a lesson or message away from the experience.  Interestingly enough, the narrator seems to point out that the educated members of the society were the most ignorant of the genuine truth.  In his words, “Naturally, the more educated and intelligent people had nothing to do with the tales of the evil one’s visit,” and they even “laughed” at such tales (page 390).  Other than the torment of a few black cats and a change in the lives of those who dealt directly with Woland, I don’t see what impact Woland really had on the people.  What is Bulgakov trying to say with this?  That the people can’t be helped or enlightened to the truth?  That they won’t be enlightened?  Other ideas?

            I also found it interesting that many of the characters who did deal with directly with Woland abandoned their old lives for simpler ones.  For instance, the financial manager retires in order to “to work at the children’s puppet theater,” and Arkady becomes a mushroom connoisseur (page 397).  I wonder what this is meant to say about humans.  Is Bulgakov suggesting that it is better to leave the chaos and sin of the working world in order to return to the simpler pleasures of life (such as children’s plays and food)? 

            In addition, I was particularly intrigued by the state of Homeless at the end of the book.  In some ways, he seems to have taken over the Master’s position.  Just like the Master used to, he now dreams of Pilate and another world (or time period).  Even more interesting was the narrator’s claim that Homeless now “knows everything and understands everything,” (page 398).  The idea of being all-knowing (in this novel) is generally associated with God and Woland, so has Homeless become in some way connected to God or Woland? 

-Cracked Wristwatch