Analysis Of Ragtime

Ragtime takes place at the beginning of the 20th century. This was the Progressive Era. Even though Ragtime is fictional, it still says something about history and shows real people and events that happened. Ragtime gives an accurate picture of what New York City was like at that time through the people, industry and events in history. “Fiction by the pointillist method: Drop by drop, color by color, Doctorow builds up a wildly shimmering portrait of New York City at the beginning of the twentieth century. Like many other historical novelists, he mingles real and fictional characters. His originality here is one of scale and energy; several invented families find themselves entwined with (among others) Henry Ford, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini, J. P. Morgan, and Emiliano Zapata.” (Byrd, Max) It shows a city separated by class, but changing due to the changes happening in mass entertainment, industry, and government. Moral reforms, the women’s suffrage movement and Americanization of immigrants was taking place. The musical helps depict the social changes in American Society. Based on 3 families from 3 different stations in life. One group is from the rich white neighborhoods of New Rochelle, NY. They live sheltered privileged, entitled lives. Another group is the African -American. The last group is an immigrant family that came to America looking to better themselves.

White family-Father boards Admiral Peary’s ship to explore the North Pole. The first man to explore the North Pole was Admiral Peary(Robert Peary). This is something a rich white man at the time might do-go on an expensive exploration. Younger brother is involved in a rally held by anarchist Emma Goldman(Red Emma). She wanted self government and was for woma...

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...take over JP Morgan’s library and say they will blow it up. Booker T. Washington is a community leader and activist. He shows up to help. Booker T Washington believes in non-violence and preaches to everyone about working together. He finds Coalhouse’s actions wrong, but it’s hard to stop Coalhouse’s reaction to injustice. Younger Brother also wants to join in with Coalhouse. Eventually Booker T. Washington talks Coalhouse down from his rage and they work out a peaceful deal. Coalhouse is changed by Booker T. Washington and now believes that you change the world with words and not violence. However, when Coalhouse leaves the library he is shot down by the police.

Edgar takes on Coalhouse’s cause-telling Coalhouse’s story. He also says the era of Ragtime has ended.

The show ends with the cast telling their stories. Their hope for a bright future is evident.