The Master and Margarita Lesson Plan

What role does nature play in Chapter 11, "Ivan Splits in Two?"

The weather appears to be a reflection of Ivan's internal state. Students should use textual evidence while answering this question and should attempt to discuss the following three instances:

1. As the chapter opens, Ivan is distraught and frightened and a storm rages outside, both mimicking and amplifying his agitation.

2. The reader learns that the storm began approaching the woods outside the clinic just as Ivan was feeling disheartened by his attempt to summarize the events at Patriarch's Ponds.

3. After Ivan receives a shot of sedative from the doctor, the storm begins to recede (in conjunction with...