Discovering Russian Literature discussion

Discuss Part 3 of this novel here.

I've just finished it, but I won't talk about the ending until I'm sure that others have finished it, too. What I will mention is Bulgakov's use of clocks in Part 3. Clocks, watches, clock faces... it's used a lot. Anyone have any thoughts on what it might mean? Time running out for Ukraine, maybe?

Did I lose my discussion partners? *poke poke* What does everyone think of this novel?

im almost finished, i love it!! which brings me to the question why was it not made into a film yet???

Hasn't it? That surprises me! It would make a great movie.

the book that i read had a epilogue by Viktor Nekrasov
It was very interesting to to get some history and background information about Bulgakov's life and childhood in the Ukraine. It must have been very nostalgic walking in the same neighborhoods that Nikolka and Alexis ran through, to see where Nai-Turs was killed so bravely. The White Guard was betrayed so horribly, just the idea of seeing all those officers stripping their straps and badges still gives me the chills. I was wondering about the dream parts that were not included in this edition but honestly i wouldn't know were they were to put them, the novel is so packed that it doesn't seem to be missing anything.

Yes, the dream parts were very random, and I can see how they could be taken out without noticing that anything is missing. It was back in Part 1, chapter 5, when everyone was realizing that the Germans had been beaten. Suddenly Turbin was asleep, but it jumped right into the dream rather than telling us so. He was talking to a Sergeant-Major Zhilin, who rambled for a while and then told him that God sees no difference between one side and another when they're lying dead on the battlefield. It was an odd scene, but that was an interesting thought.

Faye wrote: "Yes, the dream parts were very random, and I can see how they could be taken out without noticing that anything is missing. It was back in Part 1, chapter 5, when everyone was realizing that the Ge..."
After hearing that thought i wish i had read the dream part maybe it would have changed the story for me.

I just finished the book, and really liked the way Bulgakov ended it.

(view spoiler)[Somehow I was sure Nikolka was going to die, but I'm glad Bulgakov didn't show it in the book, although it is implicated in Elena's dream.

I also noticed the frequent use of the clocks, especially at the beginning of this part, but don't know what it could mean...

I was surprised it took the Red Army only 47 days to get there already. I thought Petlyura was in the Ukraine until 1920, maybe I should read about it a bit more.

Shpolyanky's sort of return surprised me, too, I never thought he could be useful to the Soviets, since he's a noble himself. But after thinking about it I came to the conclusion that he was like Talberg, never consistent to his beliefs.

The part where Elena prays for her brother Alexei was really touching, and I instantly remembered that they say a woman will choose her brother over her husband. (hide spoiler)]

Do you know why the dream sequence wasn't included in some translations? Is there a reason behind it?

I even tried Googling for information on the clock symbolism and didn't find anything. It seemed so significant! Strange.

I would imagine the dream was cut out because it would have created controversy. God thinks that both sides of a war are equal?? Not a very Stalinist viewpoint!

It's funny but I was going through my copy of "Master and Margarita" and found my school test on "The White Guard". The awkward part is I don't even remember we read it then.

So, I thought it was interesting to list the questions we were asked to answer:
1) Why didn't Nai-Turs let his cadets go in the morning? Why did he go to defend the City with them?
2) Why is God for both believers and nonbelievers in Turbin's dream?
3) What is the meaning of the image of snowstorm in the book?
4) Why did everybody in the house like Larion Surzhansky?
5) Does Irina Nai resemble her brother?

Wow, I wouldn't have had the slightest clue how to answer #3!