The theme of responsibility and moral choice is one of the key themes in the novel Master and Margarita. Bulgakov believed that everyone should be prepared for the consequences of their actions. And he talks about this in his book.
The theme of responsibility in Bulgakov’s novel “The Master and Margarita” is most strongly heard in the Yershalaim plot. Pontius Pilate, who approved the execution of Yeshua, could not accept the responsibility for this act and therefore was doomed to eternal torment of conscience. He could not make a choice that was moral. The theme of responsibility in the novel “The Master and Margarita” shows that the consequences of our actions do not disappear anywhere, they remain with us throughout our lives, so we must be prepared to carry them with us. This is one of the main ideas of the work.
The theme of responsibility in the novel “The Master and Margarita” contrasts Pontius Pilate with Margarita herself, who always acted consciously and conscientiously. Even when she decides to go to Satan’s ball, “become a witch,” she makes a conscious choice for which she has reason and for which she is ready to bear responsibility. This feature of her character is clearly emphasized in one of the scenes at the ball. When Woland invites Margarita to fulfill her wish, she asks for Frida, whom she paid attention to during the celebration. And not because the fate of this woman was very important to her, but because Margo gave her hope and now feels her responsibility for her. After all, she herself knows what hope is. Margarita's noble act was appreciated, and in the end she finds her happiness.
The theme of responsibility in the novel "The Master and Margarita" is closely adjacent to the problem of justice. One has only to recall the misadventures of the venal administrators of the Variety Theater, which Woland and his retinue are happy with. Also, the theme of responsibility in the novel "The Master and Margarita" implies the ability to answer not only for one’s actions, but also for words. A vivid illustration of this is the beginning of the novel, where Berlioz, enthusiastically denying the existence of the devil, dies at his own hands.
The ending of the novel is also noteworthy. Pontius Pilate, unable to bear responsibility for his actions and endlessly tormented by tormented conscience, finally receives forgiveness and freedom. By this, the author makes it clear that not a single person deserves eternal suffering and that love wins sooner or later. "Everything will always be right, the world is built on this." Woland has repeatedly hinted that everyone will have to bear responsibility for their actions. But he believes that people are weak by nature and for the most part simply do not realize what they are doing.
So, the theme of responsibility in the novel "The Master and Margarita" is shown deeply and multilaterally. The author says that each person is responsible for his actions, words, thoughts. And even for your soul. "And in the end every one will be rewarded according to his faith." This topic is closely related to issues of conscience and moral choice.
Most of the characters in the novel, one way or another, make their choice, which subsequently affects their life and even existence after death. Therefore, it is important to live honestly and act in good faith.