Ragtime

By E.L. Doctorow

Welcome to the world of “Ragtime”! E.L. Doctorow’s classic novel employs a wide range of literary devices, including vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and intricate characterization. Set in turn-of-the-century America, “Ragtime” weaves together the stories of a diverse cast of characters, including historical figures and fictional creations. Through Doctorow’s expert use of literary devices, “Ragtime” paints a rich and complex portrait of American society and culture during a transformative era.

Themes 📚

1. The American Dream

The theme of the American Dream is central to “Ragtime.” The characters in the novel are all striving to achieve their own versions of success and prosperity, but they face various obstacles and setbacks along the way.

2. Social Injustice

Doctorow sheds light on the social injustices that pervaded turn-of-the-century America. Issues such as racism, sexism, and classism are explored in the novel, highlighting the ways in which these systems of oppression impacted individuals and communities.

3. The Power of Change

“Ragtime” is set during a period of rapid change and transformation in America. Doctorow explores the ways in which social, cultural, and technological changes impacted the lives of the characters in the novel, and how these changes shaped the course of American history.

4. The Complexity of Identity

The characters in “Ragtime” struggle with questions of identity and belonging. The novel explores the intersections of race, class, gender, and nationality, and how these factors shape individual identity and experience.

5. The Importance of History

History plays a significant role in “Ragtime.” Doctorow weaves together historical events and figures with fictional characters and narratives to create a portrait of American society during a transformative period. The novel emphasizes the importance of understanding history and its impact on the present.

6. The Illusion of Control

Many of the characters in “Ragtime” struggle to maintain control over their lives and the world around them. The novel explores the tension between control and chaos, highlighting the ways in which individuals are often at the mercy of larger forces and systems.

7. The Search for Meaning

The characters in “Ragtime” grapple with questions of meaning and purpose. They search for a sense of direction and identity, and struggle to find their place in a rapidly changing world.

8. Power and Corruption

The theme of power and corruption is central to “Ragtime.” Doctorow explores the ways in which power is wielded and abused by those in positions of authority, and how corruption can undermine even the most well-intentioned efforts to create change.

9. The Interconnectedness of Life

“Ragtime” emphasizes the interconnectedness of human experience. The characters in the novel are linked by their shared experiences and their impact on each other’s lives, demonstrating the ways in which individual actions can have far-reaching consequences.

10. Love and Relationships

Love and relationships are explored throughout the novel. The characters’ struggles to connect with each other and form meaningful relationships highlight the complexities of human connection and the importance of compassion and empathy.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Imagery

Doctorow employs vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. His descriptions of the settings, characters, and events in the novel create a rich and immersive world.

2. Symbolism

Symbolism is used throughout the novel to represent abstract concepts and themes. For example, the character of Coalhouse Walker Jr. serves as a symbol for the struggle for civil rights and justice.

3. Historical Fiction

“Ragtime” is a work of historical fiction, blending fictional characters and narratives with real historical events and figures to create a rich and complex portrait of American society at the turn of the 20th century.

4. Stream of Consciousness

Stream of consciousness is used to provide insight into the characters’ thoughts and emotions. Doctorow uses this technique to create a more intimate understanding of the characters’ inner lives.

5. Allusion

Allusions to historical events, literature, and other cultural touchstones are used to create depth and richness in the novel. Allusions help to situate the story within a broader context and highlight the themes and ideas that the novel explores.

6. Irony

Irony is employed throughout the novel to underscore the contradictions and conflicts between the characters’ expectations and their lived experiences. Irony highlights the gap between the characters’ dreams and their harsh realities.

7. Characterization

Doctorow’s expert characterization creates multi-dimensional and complex characters that drive the story forward. The characters’ struggles and conflicts are rooted in their unique personalities and experiences, and their development over the course of the novel reflects their growth and change.

8. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is used to create suspense and anticipation in the novel. Early events in the story hint at future events and their consequences, adding tension and depth to the narrative.

9. Allegory

“Ragtime” can be interpreted as an allegory for the human condition, with the characters’ struggles representing the broader human struggle for meaning, identity, and justice.

10. Satire

Doctorow employs satire to critique social and cultural norms of turn-of-the-century America. His satirical treatment of characters and events highlights the absurdity and contradictions of the society in which they live.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Historical Fiction

Example	Explanation
Real historical figures	Doctorow incorporates real historical figures like Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan, and Emma Goldman into the novel, blending fiction with real historical events.
Authentic historical setting	The novel captures the essence of the early 20th century in America, providing a vivid portrayal of the social, economic, and political climate of the time.
Exploration of historical themes	Doctorow uses the historical setting to explore themes such as the immigrant experience, racial tension, and the impact of industrialization on society.

2. Intertextuality

Example	Explanation
References to literary works	Throughout the novel, Doctorow alludes to various literary works, such as works by Edgar Allan Poe and Sigmund Freud, providing depth and context to the narrative.
Incorporation of real-life events	Doctorow includes real historical events, such as the sinking of the Lusitania and the Mexican Revolution, to create a rich and interconnected narrative.
Allusions to popular culture	The novel references popular culture of the time, including ragtime music, early films, and vaudeville shows, immersing the reader in the era.

3. Nonlinear Narrative

Example	Explanation
Fragmented storylines	The novel features a variety of interconnected storylines that are not presented in chronological order, reflecting the chaotic nature of the time period.
Vignettes	Doctorow employs a series of vignettes to provide glimpses into the lives of various characters, creating a rich mosaic of experiences and perspectives.
Multiple perspectives	The novel’s nonlinear narrative allows Doctorow to present multiple perspectives on events, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of the time.

4. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
Ragtime music	Ragtime music serves as a symbol for the blending of cultures, innovation, and social change that characterized the early 20th century.
The Model T	The Model T automobile represents the transformative power of industrialization and its impact on society and the individual.
Coalhouse Walker Jr.’s piano	The piano symbolizes Coalhouse Walker Jr.’s aspirations for success and respectability, as well as the racial barriers he faces.

5. Imagery

Example	Explanation
Descriptions of New York City	Doctorow’s vivid descriptions of New York City, its neighborhoods, and its people create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
Visual contrasts	Doctorow employs imagery to create visual contrasts between characters, their environments, and their experiences, emphasizing their differences and conflicts.
Symbolic imagery	The novel includes symbolic imagery, such as the representations of industrialization and progress, which serve to underscore the novel’s themes.

6. Motif

Example	Explanation
Social mobility	The recurring motif of social mobility throughout the novel reflects the American Dream and the complex realities of social and economic advancement during the time.
Race and identity	Issues of race and identity are central to the novel, with the characters’ struggles and experiences highlighting the racial tensions and prejudices of the era.

7. Irony

Example	Explanation
Contradictions within society	The novel frequently exposes the contradictions within American society, such as the simultaneous celebration of progress and the persistence of racial and social inequality.
Characters’ unfulfilled dreams	Many characters in the novel experience the irony of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations, despite their hard work and talent, highlighting the complex realities of the American Dream.
Unexpected outcomes	Doctorow often presents situations with ironic and unexpected outcomes, such as the resolution of Coalhouse Walker Jr.’s conflict, which underscores the unpredictability of life and the limitations of human agency.

8. Allusion

Example	Explanation
Historical references	Throughout the novel, Doctorow alludes to historical events, figures, and cultural icons, situating the story within its historical context and enhancing its authenticity.
Literary allusions	Doctorow includes allusions to various literary works and authors, engaging in a dialogue with the intellectual ideas and debates of the time.
Mythological and religious references	The novel contains allusions to mythological and religious themes, such as references to the biblical story of creation, which serve to underscore the characters’ experiences and the novel’s themes.

9. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Hints of Coalhouse’s fate	Early in the novel, Doctorow foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold around Coalhouse Walker Jr., creating a sense of tension and anticipation.
Sarah’s death	Sarah’s death is foreshadowed through various hints and suggestions, such as her desire to speak with the presidential candidate, building suspense and a sense of foreboding.
The sinking of the Lusitania	Doctorow foreshadows the sinking of the Lusitania, an event that significantly impacted the course of World War I, by including it in the characters’ conversations and experiences.

individual identity.

7. Irony

Example	Explanation
Contradictions within society	The novel frequently exposes the contradictions within American society, such as the simultaneous celebration of progress and the persistence of racial and social inequality.
Characters’ unfulfilled dreams	Many characters in the novel experience the irony of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations, despite their hard work and talent, highlighting the complex realities of the American Dream.
Unexpected outcomes	Doctorow often presents situations with ironic and unexpected outcomes, such as the resolution of Coalhouse Walker Jr.’s conflict, which underscores the unpredictability of life and the limitations of human agency.

8. Allusion

Example	Explanation
Historical references	Throughout the novel, Doctorow alludes to historical events, figures, and cultural icons, situating the story within its historical context and enhancing its authenticity.
Literary allusions	Doctorow includes allusions to various literary works and authors, engaging in a dialogue with the intellectual ideas and debates of the time.
Mythological and religious references	The novel contains allusions to mythological and religious themes, such as references to the biblical story of creation, which serve to underscore the characters’ experiences and the novel’s themes.

9. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Hints of Coalhouse’s fate	Early in the novel, Doctorow foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold around Coalhouse Walker Jr., creating a sense of tension and anticipation.
Sarah’s death	Sarah’s death is foreshadowed through various hints and suggestions, such as her desire to speak with the presidential candidate, building suspense and a sense of foreboding.
The sinking of the Lusitania	Doctorow foreshadows the sinking of the Lusitania, an event that significantly impacted the course of World War I, by including it in the characters’ conversations and experiences.

10. Stream of Consciousness

Example	Explanation
Inner thoughts of characters	Doctorow occasionally employs a stream of consciousness style to provide insight into the characters’ inner thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Reflection of chaotic times	The use of stream of consciousness writing captures the chaotic and rapidly changing world of the early 20th century, mirroring the characters’ experiences and the novel’s themes.
Blurring the lines between past and present	The stream of consciousness technique allows Doctorow to blur the lines between past and present, reflecting the ways in which personal and collective histories shape the characters’ lives and experiences.

FAQs 💭