Top 4 The Master and Margarita quotes

Ivan’s vehement refusal to believe in the devil is likened to religious fervor by the author. He argues that atheism is as much of a religion as anything else, and its followers are just as devout in their beliefs. It is also ironic that Ivan’s statement about the non-existence of the devil is made to the devil himself. 

The master’s instruction to Ivan upon his first meeting is not meant as an insult to Ivan’s writing ability but rather communicates the Master’s current position on writing. Master has given up all of his literary aspirations because of the downfall he has had as a consequence of his writing. This quote communicates the severity of the blow for him.

Matvei Levi refuses to sit in the chair that is offered to him by the procurator of Judaea when he is brought before him. Levi’s dirt is not physical but rather moral, he believes that he has failed Yeshua by allowing him to suffer and die at the hands of the Romans. 

The book presents an interesting middle place between heaven and earth, suggesting that solace may be found between dichotomies. Master is deemed to be unfit for heaven because of the greatest sin, cowardice, and the book repeats this assertion multiple times through multiple characters. The Master is guilty of this sin because he chose to shirk away from the fight when the mob began to protest against his book.