Why is the cat from The Master and Margarita named Behemoth? - briefly
The cat in Mikhail Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita" is named Behemoth to evoke the biblical creature, symbolizing immense power and a sense of the supernatural. This name underscores the cat's mystical and menacing characteristics, aligning with the novel's themes of magic and the occult.
Why is the cat from The Master and Margarita named Behemoth? - in detail
The name "Behemoth" for the cat in Mikhail Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita" is a deliberate choice that carries significant literary and symbolic weight. To understand this, one must delve into the rich tapestry of biblical and folkloric references that Bulgakov weaves into his narrative.
Behemoth is a biblical creature mentioned in the Book of Job, described as a massive, powerful beast that is impervious to fear and seemingly indestructible. This association with biblical lore immediately imbues the character with an aura of mystique and power. Bulgakov's choice of this name for a seemingly ordinary cat underscores the novel's themes of the supernatural and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy. The cat's ability to transform into a human, speak, and perform magic aligns with the biblical description of Behemoth as a formidable and otherworldly entity.
Moreover, the name Behemoth has deep roots in folklore and literature, often symbolizing chaos and destruction. In "The Master and Margarita," Behemoth embodies these characteristics, serving as a chaotic force that disrupts the mundane world of Moscow. His antics and interactions with other characters often lead to humorous and surreal situations, further emphasizing the novel's exploration of the absurd and the supernatural.
Behemoth's name also reflects his relationship with Woland, the devilish protagonist of the novel. Woland's retinue, which includes Behemoth, Koroviev, and Azazello, represents a satanic hierarchy that challenges the moral and ethical norms of the society depicted in the novel. Behemoth, as a part of this hierarchy, embodies the rebellious and subversive spirit that characterizes Woland's influence.
Additionally, the name Behemoth can be seen as a commentary on the nature of power and control. The biblical Behemoth is described as a creature that no human can tame or defeat, symbolizing the limits of human authority. Similarly, the cat Behemoth in Bulgakov's novel operates beyond the constraints of human understanding and control, often defying expectations and logic. This aligns with the novel's broader themes of the limits of human knowledge and the presence of forces beyond human comprehension.
In summary, the name Behemoth for the cat in "The Master and Margarita" is a multifaceted choice that draws on biblical, folkloric, and literary references. It underscores the novel's exploration of the supernatural, chaos, and the limits of human control, making the cat a powerful symbol within the narrative. Bulgakov's use of this name enriches the character and the novel as a whole, adding layers of meaning and depth to the story.