The context in which I read the first chapter was kind of perfect: right before I picked up the book, I had been discussing the implications of religion and the potential flaws in Christianity with a friend of mine. He spoke from the perspective of a Christian, and I from the perspective of an Atheist.
Anyway, when I read the first chapter, I thought Bulgakov chose a very interesting way to begin his novel: with the agreement of two Atheists that God does not exist. This sets the tone for the rest of the story. I assume that the book will have a central theme of Christianity versus anti-Christianity and the implications of both views.
The first chapter also developed the characters. You see the relationship between Mikhail Alexandrovich and Homeless: both characters are constantly disagreeing with each other, creating a very humorous atmosphere. Secondly, the reactions Homeless and Alexandrovich show towards the stranger show their distinct characteristics. Whereas Homeless does not enjoy being challenged by a random stranger, and perhaps feels threatened by the strangers' intellect and his knowledge of Homeless, Alexandrovich shows more curiosity and welcomes the stranger's input. Lastly, the stranger, the most mysterious of the characters, is still very confusing. The reader only understands the stranger through Homeless and Alexandrovich's perceptions, and neither of them can decide what to think of the stranger. But throughout, the stranger seems to have a heightened intelligence and very sharp senses (such as his hearing). At the end of the chapter, what catches the reader most off guard is the sudden loss of his accent. All I can conclude is that he will play the role of the Christian in the continuing discussion of Christianity and Atheism.
-Black Poodle
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