In Master and Margarita, Mikhail Bulgakov utilizes opposing forces to drive the major themes of the novel-- Good versus evil, spiritual life versus material life, and justice versus injustice. These contrasting ideas are dependent upon each other to embody the messages of the novel. Woland, the devil, is the main arbitrator of justice and evil, but also creates the main paradox in the novel. Unlike the devil of traditional Christian teachings, Woland is capable of good and benevolence. This paradox plays an important role in both the story in Moscow and Jerusalem. Woland causes the characters, and the reader, to question life by encouraging awareness of the interdependency of Good and Evil in the proper functioning of life. In the novel, all evil is necessary in order to obtain a greater good. However, we see this end goal lost in the stories of Caesar and Stalin. They no longer have are able to recognize the difference between constructive evil and destructive power. However, evil seems to play as a nameless character in the novel, and in turn, in Stalinist times. Stalin does not directly kill any individuals, and neither does Caeser, but people still live in fear of him. People are surrounded by this terror, and only those who are self-aware and willing to call reality into question are able to create meaning for themselves. Bulgakov uses characters to possess this ability to display how meaning can be attained even when surrounded by terror and repression. People are able to persist, despite the conditions, acting as an optimistic reassurance in troubled times. The rest of this essay will focus on specific examples of how this self-reflection and awareness act as a salvation. The first instance of evil that we see in the novel comes from the first interaction between Woland, Homeless, and Berlioz. Woland draws attention their lack of faith in God