The Book "Ragtime" by E.L Doctorow Essay

Before the era of 1900, a majority of Americans had presumed a positive perception about the American history. It was characterized by the aspect of discussing some of the disgraceful events, paying much attention to the brighter side of the American past; however, the American culture appeared to disregard the apparent perception that, they had and still have various challenges. Consequently, in "Ragtime", E.L Doctorow unabashedly brings to light some of the worst sides of the American society. He extends our knowledge with extensive instances of some of the issues that persons appeared to ignore such as feminism, racism, impoverished immigrant working conditions, human cruelty, and sacrifice, as well as the evolution of the American Society.

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"Ragtime" is among the few writings that transcend the competition of having greater benefit contributions in the society having proven itself with unquestionable achievements in various aspects. However, in the mid-1970s, some of the reviewers came up with different perceptions about the novel, although it received extensive praise after its publication in 1975. Most critics conquered that Doctorow applied the integration of imaginary and historical roles. They further added that this methodology was used mostly in historical books although they offered weak outcomes since they manipulated it into a compelling blend that is challenging, entertaining and was following the traditions of that time (Leonard 105). However, the reading public was of the same view that regardless of the various new works which are characterized with the freshness that makes them challenging for the widespread spectators, Ragtime was recorded as the best-seller in its first hardcover edition. Therefore, the novel's impacts on the prevalent culture can be felt even today.

The book is set at the inception of the 20th century in a growing town in New York at the house which has an upper-class family formed by three illusory characters (Doctorow 90). Father, Mother, and the young son. The narratives and lives of these three primary characters are seen to cross paths with some historical figures. Subsequently, critics argue that the timings of the book publication were influenced by the need to offer a chronological outline of the main events that took place in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. It is also vital to record that, the novel is not just an overview of the events in the 20th century, but the story is a reflection of the events that are present in the modern world. One of the significant US events that took place after the publication of the book is the rapid technological advancement and industrialization. As a consequence of the enormous development, there were large number of immigrants and a wave of technological progress which enhanced the efficiency and manufacture of commodities.

The book vividly depicts the individual exertions faced by all the characters in the story. Nonetheless, it also tells how each character in the novel influences other figures profoundly. In that, the experiences of dissimilarities may be seen as pure coincidences, but these differences tend to develop life intriguing effects on other characters in the narration. Subsequently, Doctorow addresses the theme of change and transformation (Leonard 110). The author attempts to bring to light that there is only one aspect that is constant in this universe and that is changing. As a result, Doctorow presents significant cultural and social changes as well as the effects of these changes through the different reactions of the characters. Some characters welcome and adjust to change while others are seen resting and fighting it. Thus, the crossing paths or different responses on change are one of the means in which the author applies in developing his characters.

Therefore, one of the central character in the plot who helps to disseminate the message of Change in the entire story is the Mother. In that, mother's responses to her changing environment offer significant comprehensions into her psychological, emotional, and intellectual processes of transformation. Her affairs with her husband experience an intense change after he comes back from the Arctic. Mother loses the respect she had for his professional life after realizing that the tasks of the family business were both dull and a bit boring (Doctorow 127). Nevertheless, mother changes to become an idealistic and creative dreamer but, father's fighting for change has made him remain static and dull. Mother considers developing a union with Tateh after she felt dissatisfied with her husband especially the manner in which he fails to give her the satisfaction she wants. Thus, mother's transformation is fascinated with the idea of the gesticulation picture as well as the standpoints it affords to the daily life.

Conclusion

Conclusively, mother's growth is very evident from the story, particularly in the increasing cognizance of her sexuality. On the other hand, father appears to encounter a profound sense of depravity in the idea of developing pleasure from sex while Mother intensifies her increasing awareness of her sexuality. Thus, as a result of change and transformation, she develops confidence and eases with herself which is also emulated by other characters such as Tateh.

Works Cited

Doctorow, E. L. Ragtime. New York: Bantam Books, l975, pp. 85-279.

Leonard, Neil. "The Reactions to Ragtime." Ragtime, 1985, pp. 102-113., Doi: 10.1007/978-1-349-08404-3_7.