This paper discusses Doctorow's novel "Ragtime", which focuses on major cultural and social changes, from the creation of unions to the blacks fighting for their rights.
1,105 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 38.95
Abstract This paper explains that E. L. Doctorow's "Ragtime", which has an ethnic tone, presents a highly visible black man, proud protagonist Coalhouse Walker, who throws the white American world into mass confusion and forces black American's entry into white America. The author relates that Coalhouse Walker calls himself President of a Provisional American Government, which suggests that the old order of government has failed and thus, as the founders of America once revolted against an unjust government; he, too, has the right to demand a better government. The paper concludes that the assassination of Coalhouse Walker was similar to other assassinations of black people, who suffer under the ignorance and tyranny of a government, which would not address the needs of the black people.
From the Paper "The inventor of ragtime music, for which Doctorow titled his book, was the Black American Scott Joplin. Scott Joplin admonished not to play the music too fast and this offers the novel's epigraph and the principal character of the books last half is Coalhouse Walker. Coalhouse Walker play's Joplin's music. The title clearly asserts it focus in the activities of the Black Americans and more widely in those of marginalized social groups outside the established male and WASP hegemony, the working class Jewish immigrants like Tateh and Harry Houdini, political radicals such as Emma Goldman and budding feminists like Mother. Doctorow's Coalhouse Walker is the black proto-revolutionary. Doctorow emphasis of the dissatisfaction of people such as these contrasts what historians wrote about this era that they called "The Progressive Era"."
Abstract In the turn-of-the-century era depicted in the novel, "Ragtime", by E.L. Doctorow, racism and oppression of lower social classes dominates social realities in the city of New York. This paper explores racial and social inequality through specific examples from the story. It explores the various characters and their relation to the themes of racism and oppression.
From the Paper "Father also shows his racist mentality when first confronted with Coalhaouse Walker. In contrast to Mother, who believes she is complementing Coalhouse when she sees him as different than other Negroes, Father thinks he has ?no awareness of his race or his place in society.? Father viewed Coalhouse's proud character almost as a form of disrespect towards the white majority and he was perplexed by the idea why a Negro would be proud, "apparently it didn"t occur to him to integrate himself into the fashion of his race.?"
Abstract This paper explains that E. L. Doctorow, in "Ragtime," brings to light the fact that social distinctions and prejudice have always permeated American society. The author points out that, early in the novel, Doctorow writes that New Yorkers despised the immigrants because they were "filthy and illiterate". The paper relates that, through the characters of Evelyn, Emma, Tateh, and Coalhouse, the lives of many were shaped by their heritage, where they were born, or how much money they had, conditions that have an impact on almost every aspect of life, as these characters illustrate.
From the Paper "Emma is a revolutionary character that causes Evelyn to think about her life. Emma is more concerned about making a difference than she is being subtle or nice. She tells Evelyn she was nothing more than a "clever prostitute" who was a "creature of capitalism" (49). Evelyn does not discard what Emma tells her but instead listens and eventually becomes a liberated woman. With Emma's character, we can understand the difficulty women faced during this era in American history. Because these two very different women are able to relate to each other, we can better relate to them. Emma makes it a point to tell Evelyn that they are not as different as she believes."
Abstract This paper explains that E. L. Doctorow's novel "Ragtime" captures the essence of prejudice and racism, which permeated American thought and society during the turn of the 20th century, a period of great change and expansion. The author points out that, through the characters of Evelyn, Emma, Coalhouse and Willie, Doctorow emphasizes the depth of prejudice and how it influenced society. The paper relates that this novel raises social awareness as it illuminates the struggles that exist when people of different nationalities and beliefs come together; with recognition of these social ills comes the responsibility to correct them, a challenge that has its own price.
From the Paper "An example of social distinction can be seen in Coalhouse Walker. Coalhouse experiences racism when a group of firemen vandalize his brand new Ford. When Coalhouse seeks redress, he is encouraged not to make a fuss about the incident and when he does fuss, he is promptly arrested. In addition, when Father tries to help in some way, he is told, "When you a property owner in this city walks into court with a Negro, a charge like this is usually dismissed" (210). Here we see how a certain attitude toward African Americans is difficult to overcome, despite circumstances."
