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About this quote

What does it mean?
Two names representing a pivotal moral and political confrontation.
In plain terms
It lists two people from a famous story.

Where it applies

  • literary references
  • historical debates

Putting it to work

  • researching the context
  • analyzing moral choices

Questions to consider

  • What story do these names remind you of?
  • How do historical figures become symbols?

Another view

Names alone give little context without more text.

More from Mikhail Bulgakov

  1. 'I do not know these good men,' replied the prisoner.

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  2. 'He's clever,' thought Ivan,' I must admit there are a few bright ones among the intellectuals'

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  3. 'Kant ought to be arrested and given three years in Solovki asylum for that 'proof' of his!' Ivan Nikolayich burst out completely unexpectedly. 'Ivan!' whisper…

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