Abstract This paper analyzes the different themes that reside in the book "Ragtime" by E.L. Doctrow. The analysis uncovers Doctrow's style of fiction in the respect that it is not fiction, but a non-factual representation of what really happened in New York in this time period. Also, other books are mentioned that the writer has done to this effect and will further reveal the nature of his writing style.
An analysis of early feminism connecting with the book/play "Ragtime", highlighting Emma Goldman as a character and historical person, as well as parallels with today's Gloria Steinem and feminism.
Abstract This paper studies the changes women have accomplished through feminism during the early 20th century to today, using the play/book Ragtime as an example of one of the portrayals of women of the time. A comparison of the ideals of women of the early 20th century dealing with feminism using Emma Goldman and her events throughout her life as well as how she is portrayed as a character in the play/book Ragtime, with current female social standing with Gloria Steinem as a representative revealing some of her ideals paralleling to Goldman's.
From the Paper "Although not an era of radical change, the first ten years of the twentieth century contain a myriad of indications of future transformations. This has proved to be true through the actions and efforts of early feminists as well as today?s. More and more women felt free to choose library work, social work, medicine, and business as a life's profession in lieu of marriage. In many ways, this century was a new millenium that held special hope and promise for all American women, and they met its challenges with courage, creativity, and conviction. E.L. Doctorow, in his novel Ragtime, demonstrated the transition of women from delicate dependent wives to idealistic, empowered persons during the early twentieth century. Emma Goldman's inspiring speeches impacted the characters in Ragtime, and their ideals are parallel to current feminists such as Gloria Steinem."
This paper examines the relationship between Emma Goldman and Evelyn Nesbit in E.L. Doctorow's "Ragtime", as well as the impact this friendship has on the other characters in the novel.
Abstract The writer of this brief, yet concise, paper details the intimate friendship of Emma Goldman and Evelyn Nesbit, both products of capitalism, as depicted in E.L. Doctorow's classic novel "Ragtime." This paper describes Emma and Evelyn's relationship starting with their first accidental meeting. The writer delves into how the relationship between the two women impact on all the characters in the novel. This paper examines Emma's attraction to Evelyn, for she sees in Evelyn a version of herself. This paper also reviews the plot and main characters in "Ragtime."
From the Paper "Emma is drawn to Evelyn, for she sees a version of herself. Both women are products of capitalism. Evelyn uses money and the status it can buy, whereas Emma sees the perverted results of capitalism. Both women are tied inextricably to men in their lives, for they know that as individuals they are powerless. Evelyn uses men (and their money) for support and Emma allows men to use her as a political mouthpiece. Both are in the media spotlight, Evelyn because of her insane husband and Emma for her overt beliefs. Emma confesses, "but there are correspondences, you see, our loves correspond, our spirits touch each other like notes in harmony, and in the total human fate we are sisters." They are sisters since they are women and live the same exploited life, despite their superficial differences."
Abstract In this paper, the role of victim/victimizers in Doctorow's 'Ragtime' is apparent, as many of the characters in Ragtime struggle to establish or counteract social norms. The basis race and creed become the catalysts for bigotry and class stratification that allows the victim concept to be enacted. However, the sense of awareness and consciousness that Mother, Walker, Sarah, and others feel against the hypocritical Father become resistance. The basis of resistance lies on the ability of Doctorow's character to consciously change themselves by avoiding societal traditions and traps that limit their lives.
From the Paper "In this literary study, the novel 'Ragtime' by E.L. Doctorow will be examined in relation to the theme of victims and victimization versus resistance. This novel relies more upon resistance to the historical trends found within Doctorow's "turn-of the century" American cultural and racial perspectives. Although many characters become victims and victimizers of the historical period in question, the greater reliance on Doctorow's literary approach reflects resistance to accepted societal norms. In essence, although arguments can certainly prove that the "victim roles" and "victimization" do abound in the way that characters interact within this novel, resistance provides a more conscious and verifiable way to understand change and intercultural relationships in Ragtime. The feelings of victimization in Ragtime are present within Doctorow's various stories through the institution of the American family."
Abstract "Ragtime" by E.L. Doctorow presents a cast of characters caught up in a frenzied life of liberating themselves from oppression ranging from poverty to the discontent of the soul. By exploring the recurring themes of liberation and oppression in the novel, the paper shows that in fact, the liberation from one state of being only leads to another prison; true liberation seems to beckon as a chimera. Ultimately, what Doctorow depicts powerfully is that oppression affects all humanity, whether he or she is poor or rich, black or white.
From the Paper "The most dramatic example of oppression is illustrated in the episodes involving the racial oppression of Coalhouse Walker. He represented the fundamental injustices committed against African-Americans in the story. Although he was rich, educated and well-cultivated, the color of his skin did not free him for being harassed by Conklin, the Fire Chief (Doctorow 131-133; 145-150). From a superficial perspective, Walker's reaction over his car seemed unduly exaggerated. However, the unnecessary tampering with his car symbolized the unjust oppression of African-Americans. In a reversal of positions, Walker and his followers played the role of oppressors by terrorizing the city with bombing attacks (Doctorow 186-187). It is a tragedy that his "liberation" from being an oppressed person could only take place in such spectacular circumstances, that inevitably resulted in his own death."
Abstract Doctorow's historical novel tells the story of a simpler time when families were stronger and defined a large and important part of American Victorian society. The paper discusses how the family in "Ragtime" is made up of misfits and dissidents, just as American society is made up of a wide variety of nationalities, outcasts, dissidents, and family units. The family in Doctorow's novel represents the melting pot of American society, with all its good, evil, and misunderstandings.
From the Paper "Doctorow's work is set in 1902 in New Rochelle, New York. The family unit consists of Mother, Father, their little boy, and Mother's Younger Brother (and later the baby of washerwoman Sarah). The novel also follows the immigrant family of Mameh, Tateh, and their little girl. The lives of these two families, outrageous as it would have been at the time, slowly become intertwined, and they each experience some spectacular and dangerous times. The novel opens by introducing the New Rochelle family. It is clear they are well off, and they represent "normal" Victorian society of the day, but at the beginning of the 20th century, lives were in transition all around America, and that is what this family in transition represents. The family lives through some outlandish and quite amazing happenings, which all point to the changing Victorian mores in a society on the brink of war, the roaring 20s, and much more. As the two families become more blended together, Mother and Younger Brother become radicals, while Father goes off to the Arctic with Admiral Peary. Father represents many Americans, who could not come to terms with a changing world, and so, turn their back on it so their own, non-progressive lives will make any sense at all."
Tags: american, society, melting, pot, dream, family
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 examines how, throughout the novel, "Ragtime," several characters express interest in the occult, most notably, Harry Houdini and Pierpont Morgan, and how these two men from opposite ends of society both begin their search in response to the inadequacies of the material world.
From the Paper "Throughout the novel Ragtime, several characters express interest in the occult, most notably, Harry Houdini and Pierpont Morgan. These two men from opposite ends of society both begin their search in response to the inadequacies of the material world. Houdini becomes interested when he finds himself unable to accept his mother's death; without her, his world is empty. Pierpont Morgan's interest also blooms later in life. As he faces his own death, Morgan becomes dissatisfied with his enormous wealth, realizing that worldly affluence will mean nothing to him after his passing. In life, Morgan is a man of power, residing at the top of society, yet in the face of death, he is just as ignorant and helpless as anyone else. His search for occult wisdom relating to death and the afterlife is an attempt for him to feel once more in control."
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."
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 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."
From the Paper "One of the dominant themes in the novel Ragtime is the idea of entrapment. The author E. L. Doctorow uses images such as the child buried in the garden, the immigrants buried in the ghetto tenement housing, and the Houdini story to communicate this theme. By using these images of entrapment, Doctorow illustrates how people become completely trapped in lives and events that are not necessarily of their making. Ragtime illustrates that even in America, the land of the free, almost everyone is somehow buried in social situations or financial conditions that keep entrapped in their particular circumstances."
Abstract This paper looks at how Doctorow depicts the American underclass, such as immigrants, in the beginning of the 20th century in America, and how he uses language to achieve this depiction. The paper explores the theme in "Ragtime" of being buried or trapped to show how Doctorow achieves this effect.
From the Paper "But in E. L. Doctorow's novel Ragtime , he shows the reader that this utopian notion of the "good old days" of turn-of-the-century America is a misconception. In this novel, the reader sees how immigrants, ethnic groups, women, and the working class were victimized by the rich and powerful forces in American society, and by the apathy of those who turned their heads away from the misery and loathsome conditions of the underprivileged. One of the themes that Doctorow explores is that of his characters being trapped or buried in their circumstances. He uses metaphors and symbols to show both the physical and the sociological oppression that the people of that era suffered by personifying these themes through the medium of his characters. "
Abstract This paper provides a brief character sketch of Emma and Evelyn and discusses how their personalities are intertwined from the beginning of the novel. Set in the turn of the 20th century, E. L. Doctorow is able to capture incredibly human characteristics in his characters to help the reader visualize the mood of America at that time.
From the Paper "The reader is introduced early in the novel to Evelyn's character and how she has made a comfortable living from how she looked and how she behaved. Evelyn learned how to enhance her way in life by playing on her looks and femininity in a world dominated by men. She seemed relatively happy with herself and her place in life until she encounters Emma. Doctorow is able to demonstrate through Evelyn how people can live their lives so wrapped up in their own world that they are completely oblivious of mankind's condition as a whole, and therefore unaware of what they can do to make a difference. By allowing the character of Evelyn to mature, Doctorow demonstrates the power of influence and the sometimes painful consequences of facing the truth."
Abstract This paper examines the religious folk song, originally sung by the African-American Protestants of the Southern United States, which is now known as the spiritual. It attempts to understand the origin of the Negro spiritual, its development, and leading composers. It also delves into the role of the Negro spiritual in the development of blues, jazz, and ragtime. It focuses on the critical aspects of the music of the Negro spiritual and ends with a personal observation of the topic discussed.
From the Paper "Cecil Sharp explored the wide nature of the American folk son literature in the early parts of the twentieth century. He was later able to show that much of these were of British ancestry. G. P. Jackson then traced the influence of revivalist and evangelist songs of the early 19th century camp meetings conducted by the southern white people with the help of this discovery. Many of the black spirituals were shown by him to be the adaptations or from the inspirations of the spirituals conducted by the whites by Jackson using hundreds of comparative examples. The religious songs of the whites in the south had many sources, and the African musical traditions were mixed with these to ultimately produce the form of folk music that could be seen as distinctly black in character."
