Who is Behemoth in The Master and Margarita? - briefly
Behemoth is a black cat and a familiar of the devil, Woland, in Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "The Master and Margarita." He possesses the ability to speak and walk on two legs, adding a surreal and humorous element to the story.
Throughout the narrative, Behemoth exhibits a blend of mischievousness and intelligence, often engaging in witty conversations and demonstrating a keen understanding of human nature. His actions and dialogues frequently serve to highlight the absurdities and hypocrisies of Soviet society. Behemoth's character is marked by his sardonic wit and his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage. He often appears in scenes where he can observe and comment on the ridiculousness of human behavior, providing a satirical perspective on the events unfolding around him. His interactions with other characters, particularly those in positions of authority, reveal his sharp tongue and cunning nature. Behemoth's presence in the novel adds depth to the themes of morality, power, and the supernatural, making him a memorable and intriguing figure.
Who is Behemoth in The Master and Margarita? - in detail
Behemoth is a prominent character in Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "The Master and Margarita." This enigmatic figure is a black cat with a penchant for human behavior, particularly smoking, drinking, and carrying a revolver. Behemoth is part of Woland's retinue, a mysterious and powerful figure who arrives in Moscow with a troupe of eccentric companions. Behemoth's appearance and behavior are designed to challenge the conventional norms of society, reflecting the novel's themes of reality, illusion, and the supernatural.
Physically, Behemoth is a large, black cat with piercing red eyes. He possesses the ability to walk on two legs and speak, making him a unique and unsettling presence. His actions often border on the absurd, yet they serve a deeper purpose within the narrative. For instance, Behemoth's tendency to engage in human-like activities, such as smoking and drinking, underscores the blurring of lines between the human and the animal, the natural and the supernatural.
Behemoth's interactions with other characters are marked by a mix of humor and menace. He frequently engages in witty banter, often laced with sarcasm and irony, which adds a layer of complexity to his character. His relationship with Woland is particularly intriguing. Behemoth is not merely a pet or a servant but a trusted companion and confidant. His loyalty to Woland is unwavering, and he often acts as an enforcer, using his supernatural abilities to intimidate and punish those who cross his master.
One of Behemoth's most notable traits is his ability to manipulate reality. He can transform into a human-like figure, often appearing as a professor or a dignitary, which allows him to move freely among the characters in the novel. This shape-shifting ability highlights the theme of deception and the fluidity of identity, which are central to Bulgakov's exploration of Soviet society.
Behemoth's actions and dialogues are imbued with philosophical and moral undertones. He often comments on the absurdity of human behavior and the hypocrisy of societal norms. His presence serves as a critique of the rigid and oppressive nature of Soviet life, where individual freedom and expression are often suppressed. Through Behemoth, Bulgakov explores the idea that true freedom and authenticity can only be found by embracing one's true nature, regardless of societal expectations.
In summary, Behemoth is a multifaceted character who embodies the themes of deception, reality, and the supernatural in "The Master and Margarita." His unique blend of humor, menace, and philosophical depth makes him an essential figure in the novel, challenging readers to question their perceptions of reality and the nature of identity.