Clavis Libri

Literary device

Leitmotiv

Word, phrase, or image that returns several times throughout the work, tied to a character or an idea, and gains meaning with each return.

In The Master and Margarita

Forgive me and forget me as quickly as possible. I am abandoning you for eternity. Do not look for me, it is useless. I have become a witch because of the misfortunes and sorrows that have struck me. My time has come. Goodbye.

"My time has come" is the formula Margarita writes in her note, and the book repeats it afterward, in the title of chapter 30 and in Woland's orders. Here it marks the end of Margarita's ordinary life and announces her departure.

Part Two, Chapter 20: Azazello's cream, Margarita

Cowardice is, among all human weaknesses, the one he considers the worst.
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Part Two, Chapter 25: How the procurator tried to save Judas of Kerioth, Afranius, reporting Yeshua's words

It's time!!
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Part Two, Chapter 31: On the Sparrow Hills, Woland

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