Epilogue

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...(read more)
-Cracked Wristwatch

The most astonishing portion of the epilogue was the absurd explanations given for the havoc wreaked by Woland and his cohorts; in not believing the absurdity of these events, the “more educated and intelligent people” become, themselves, absurd. They reason that “tearing off the head of the master of ceremonies” is within “the range of any professional hypnotist of average powers”. Even those who believe the devil was roaming Moscow become absurd in their fear, apprehending toms who were “proceeding with a stealthy air” and only releasing them after owners give them “the most flattering testimonial”. Woland, and thus Bulgakov, have therefore demonstrated the folly of Russian society and their inability to recognize what is below their very noses.
-Runaway Knight

The epilogue of The Master and Margarita concerns itself primarily with the aftermath of Woland’s visit to Moscow. The men investigating the case decide that everything that happened was a result of hypnotism, an explanation that seems almost as unlikely as the actual events. They claim that “the band of hypnotists could exercise its powers across vast distances, affecting not only individuals, but entire groups”, a ridiculous claim. Similarly, they attempt to convince the public that “the simple stunt of tearing off the head of the master of ceremonies” is well “within the range of any professional hypnotist of average powers on any stage”. Obviously no average hypnotist could perform such a feat. The matter-of-fact manner in which this is stated suggests that the population of Moscow already believes all that is claimed. Even Ivan Nikolayevich has been “cured” (probably closer to brainwashed) and no longer believes that he encountered the devil.
-Primus Stove

So I had no idea what to think after finishing the epilogue. I suppose the real end would be the last chapter, and the epilogue is more a way to tie loose ends. From reading other people's posts, I can agree that Bulgakov definitely makes a final stab at the Communist government for rampant arrests. The fact that the people (not secret police) are actively trying to arrest their neighbors is also another reference to the distrustful nature/environment of the communist regime. ...(read more)
-Black Poodle


Where to go from here? The rationalisation of all the events that have transpired is pretty funny. Hypnosis across thousands of miles? The rationalisations just become more and more IRRATIONAL, to the point where you're left thinking "why don't they just accept it?" I think that's what Bulgakov was trying to get at. Through this playful story, he satirises the government's fear of religion and its strenuous attempts to rid one of the most religious countries of its pious nature.
-Powdered Whiskers

Here we are, at the very end of the novel. Was anyone else a bit let down? I can’t put my finger on that which I wanted to learn by the end of the story, but I do know that I have not learned it.
First of all I was very upset by the fact that drunken citizens were hunting black cats and tying them up and doing awful things to them...(read more)
-Golden Horseshoe

I feel like I didn't learn anything new striking from the epilogue. I was expecting a great revelation of a sort. Perhaps the answer to everything: the identity of the devils, explanations for all the madness, Bulgakov's final message... But reading the epilogue, I was surprised not because of a twist, but rather because of the lack of a twist. People tried to impose sensible explanations to the strange occurrence. They rationalized everything by saying the devil gang were hypnotists, but that is not true! Another confusing part was when the narrator said in the epilogue that the Master seemed to have been kidnapped. Didn't the nurse say he died? Again, Bulgakov seems to be playing around with truths and lies even until the very end of the novel. I need to hear other people's thoughts about this ending to get a clearer understanding.
-Spanish Boot