Margarita Talk: Session 4

This week's discussion topics are brought to us by the always punctual RTS:

Comment on one or more of the following:

Chapter 16 (The Execution): How does Bulgakov's description of the crucifixion vary significantly from the Gospels? Why might he have chosen the perspective of Matthew Levi? What sticks out in the scene as very real, or very unpleasant, or very symbolic?

Chapters 17 and 18 (An Unquiet Day and Hapless Visitors): Select a specific incident to examine (such as the compulsory singers, the unexpected appearance of a kitten, the experience of Berlioz' uncle, or...). Does the episode reflect a particular aspect of Soviet life? If so, how? Does the episode contain something you find symbolic?

On the whole, what sort of picture do these two chapters paint of Moscow and the Muscovites? What motivates the characters? What gets them into trouble? What strategies get them out of trouble (or fail to get them out of trouble)? Are there innocent victims? What patterns do you see in the unholy trickery?

Margarita Talk: Session 3

This week I would like everyone to take a deep and thorough look at one chapter and report their analysis back to the group. In your post, you should address examples of symbolism, connections to on-going themes, and, more generally, the significance of the chapter in relation to what we have read so far. After posting your analysis, you should respond to at least one other comment in the thread.

Ready team? Here's the assignments:

Jared________Chapter 10
Matt S_______Chapter 11
Craig________Chapter 12
Paul_________Chapter 13
Matt J_______Chapter 14
Christin______Chapter 15