The Master and Margarita

by Mikhail Bulgakov

The Master and Margarita: Frame Story 1 key example

Chapter 13. The Hero Enters
Explanation and Analysis—The Master's Story:

In Chapter 13, a secretive night-time meeting between Ivan Nikolayevich and the Master makes a pivot towards the past when the poet’s new acquaintance recounts his life before the hospital. By untangling his past with the poet, the Master shares a frame story that gives a sense of the events to follow:

‘Then tell me about your novel, at least,’ Ivan asked tactfully.

‘Certainly. My life, it must be said, has followed a rather unusual course,’ the guest began.