Oblicza Wolanda. Literackie studium postaci
The faces of Woland: A literary study of the character

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present the description of Woland as one of the main characters of the novel by Bulgakov 'The Master and Margarita', after gaining experience connected with the work on a new translation of this book. The study was conducted on the basis of an in-depth analysis of the text. The author distinguishes the roles in which Woland appears in relationships with other characters, as well as mental and physical transformations which he undergoes. A lot of remarks concern the changes in stylistic register of his utterances. Moreover, the analysis includes numerous names, which the narrator himself uses in reference to the character. Finally, analogies with other authors are presented (Goethe, Gogol, Poe). The paper is an attempt at reconstructing the viewpoint represented by Woland, including the multitude of elements referring to particular philosophical, political and ethical doctrines. It all leads to the conclusion that Bulgakov’s devil is a multidimensional and ambiguos character, which doesn’t conform to any traditions and explicit interpretations.

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