"The Master and Margarita (M. Bulgakov) and the characteristics of 20th-century mythological novels"

The monograph “The Artisan and the Margarita(M. Bulgakov) and the characteristics of 20th-century mythological novels.”Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhu Trang's book, even in its title, already contains the potential to touch upon crucial issues in contemporary literary criticism and history. First, it addresses the issue of myth and modern novels, with a very broad scope: from understanding the term "myth," the characteristics of mythical thinking, to the poetic features of modern novels and their variations. Secondly, it addresses the issue of genre.The Artisan and the Margarita– The "final" novel by the non-Soviet writer M. Bulgakov, one of the most mysterious phenomena of 20th-century world literature, has always been a subject of debate: the author himself calls it a fantasy novel, while researchers have categorized it as either a satirical novel, a philosophical novel, or a mystical adventure novel, etc. Because of its mysterious and ambiguous nature, the novel always invites any scientific hypothesis. [The following text appears to be a separate thought and not part of the main idea.]The Artisan and the MargaritaAs if it were a mythical novel – that is the scientific hypothesis of the author of this monograph.

The starting point of the analytical process in this monograph is the correlation between the structure of the novel.The Artisan and the Margaritaand mythological structure. NovelThe Artisan and the MargaritaBelonging to a trend in 20th-century novels, this work partially assimilates mythological structures. Referring to the fundamental characteristics of mythological structures (cyclical time, games played on the boundaries between reality and illusion, plots organized in an "accumulative" manner with apocalyptic motifs, doppelgangers, deceivers, prophets, elements of language that unify subject and object, objects and symbols), in the main part of the monograph, the author successively examines 1) intertextual transformation in the novel to uncover cultural-historical codes, 2) the principle of carnival games in a chaotic world, complexly blending dualistic oppositions to achieve harmony and unity, and 3) the narrative subject structure with characteristics that are both homogeneous and diversified through point of view and tone. The results of this study allow the author to conclude:The Artisan and the MargaritaIt is a product of the interaction between mythological and fictional thinking, specifically and vividly manifesting the tendency to directly parallel ancient myths in the development of 20th-century mythological novels.

With all the richness and logic of the arguments in the monograph, the author convincingly justifies his scientific hypothesis. Therefore, there is a solid basis for suggesting a different title for the book, for example, "The Artisan and the Margarita" (M. Bulgakov) –legendary novelThis monograph is a direct result of the author's doctoral dissertation, which was rated excellent by the Doctoral Dissertation Examination Board of Hanoi National University, as well as research papers published in specialized journals.

Of course, considerThe Artisan and the MargaritaReading it as a legendary novel is just one of many ways to "read" this great and unique work. In turn, Nguyen Thi Nhu Trang's approach invites discussion and exchange among readers.

Welcoming the insightful research of a young Russologist, which is valuable both theoretically and in terms of literary history, I am pleased to introduce it to our readers.