Many different works have been written about the images of Satan since this character is ambiguous. So, the British poet John Milton sees him in his way and the Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov in a slightly different light. Milton reflects on the reason for the disobedience of the first couple of people who violated the only prohibition of the Creator of all things and were expelled from Eden. Enlightened by the Holy Spirit, the poet calls the culprit of the fall of Adam and Eve: this is Satan, who appeared to them in the form of a Serpent. Woland is a character in the novel The Master and Margarita who heads the world of otherworldly forces. Woland is the devil, Satan, the prince of darkness, the spirit of evil, and the lord of shadows. Each author sees it as generally similar, but still, there are differences in details.
Indeed, the image of the Devil in Milton’s epic, contrary to his biblical interpretation, looks so majestic and attractive that all the other characters of the poem are lost and fade next to him. The incredible passion of the image of Satan, his unshakable spirit, love, and willpower may seem inspiring to both critics and readers. Margarita’s actions and the weakness of the Master in the work of Mikhail Bulgakov did not allow them to be transported into the light. Bulgakov writes: “But what can be done, the one who loves must share the fate of the who is loved.” (347). Still, for their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the sake of a loved one and true art, Woland grants them eternal rest in his kingdom of darkness.
Concerning Satan’s female characters in both works, it can be seen that it also differs from the image of the Devil himself. Woland supports Margarita, but still, he sets a condition that she must pass some tests to be near her beloved. In Paradise Lost, Satan looks crueler to Eve as he encourages her to commit a deadly sin, knowing that a terrible punishment will follow. The poet dresses the Prince of Darkness in a snake, showing him evil and vindictive, pleasing the church, but at the same time, he also emphasizes the majesty of his figure. Milton writes: “Whereof he soon aware, each perturbation smoothed with outward calm, Artificer of fraud.” (119). Eve is morally tormented, and Margarita is in physical pain. And it can be concluded that the attitude of Woland is ultimately more favorable than that of the Evil Spirit.
In conclusion, even though Satan is a priori an opposing hero, some authors still attribute humane actions to him. Using the example of two works by different authors, one can see that Satan undoubtedly brings suffering and pain to people, yet he can reunite separated lovers and teach people to be human. Both works carry deep meaning and are primarily focused on the image of Satan. It is challenging to call Woland the personification of absolute evil because he is characterized by mercy and just deeds in the novel. In Milton’s work, Satan is a classic example of the devil.
Works Cited
Bulgakov, Mikhail. The Master and Margarita. Vintage, 1996.
Milton, John. Paradise Lost. Penguin Classics, 2003.