From which work is the excerpt: The dog howled evenly, persistently, and hopelessly calmly? - briefly
The excerpt "The dog howled evenly, persistently, and hopelessly calmly" is from "The Overcoat," a short story written by Nikolai Gogol. This work is renowned for its exploration of the life of a low-ranking civil servant in 19th-century Russia.
From which work is the excerpt: The dog howled evenly, persistently, and hopelessly calmly? - in detail
The excerpt "The dog howled evenly, persistently, and hopelessly calmly" is from the novel "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov. This iconic Russian work is a blend of historical fiction, political satire, and supernatural fantasy, first published posthumously in 1966. The novel is renowned for its complex narrative structure, rich symbolism, and profound exploration of themes such as good and evil, love, and the nature of reality.
"The Master and Margarita" is set in two distinct but interconnected worlds: the bustling streets of 1930s Moscow and the ancient city of Jerusalem during the time of Pontius Pilate. The story revolves around several key characters, including the enigmatic and charismatic Margarita, the mysterious Professor Woland (a manifestation of the devil), and the unnamed Master, a writer who has been driven to despair by the rejection of his novel about Pontius Pilate.
The passage in question appears in the Moscow-based narrative, where the supernatural elements of the story are most pronounced. The dog, named Azazello, is a key figure in the novel, serving as one of Woland's retinue. Azazello's howling, described in the excerpt, is a chilling and ominous sound that underscores the eerie and otherworldly atmosphere that pervades the novel. This particular description of the dog's howling is part of a larger scene that highlights the supernatural and unsettling events that unfold in Moscow.
The novel's exploration of the supernatural is not merely for the sake of entertainment but serves to delve into deeper philosophical and existential questions. The howling of the dog, with its eerie calmness, can be seen as a metaphor for the inexorable and often incomprehensible forces that govern human existence. It reflects the sense of hopelessness and despair that some characters experience, as well as the persistent and unyielding nature of fate.
Bulgakov's use of vivid and evocative language in this passage is characteristic of his writing style throughout the novel. The description of the dog's howling is not just a detail but a powerful literary device that contributes to the overall mood and themes of the work. It underscores the tension between the mundane and the supernatural, the rational and the irrational, that is central to "The Master and Margarita."
In summary, the excerpt "The dog howled evenly, persistently, and hopelessly calmly" is a significant part of Mikhail Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita." It exemplifies the novel's rich use of symbolism and its exploration of complex themes through a blend of historical and supernatural elements. The passage is a testament to Bulgakov's literary prowess and his ability to create a narrative that is both deeply engaging and profoundly thought-provoking.