The title “Ragtime” is supposed to be the symbolic representation of the atmosphere which

characterizes the scene of the novel. We may even feel the rhythm and the intonation of it.
Ragtime is a style of popular music that flourished from the mid-1890s to 1918. Its main
identifying trait is its ragged—i.e., syncopated—rhythm.
The author, E.L.Doctorow, an American writer, is famous for his novels which include
“Welcome tohard Times” and “The Book of Daniel” which was nominated for a national Book
Award. He isalso a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Doctorow expressed
his political beliefs as well as the time in which he wrote.
“Ragtime” is a novel set in America at the beginning of this century. Its characters reflect all that
is most significant and dramatic in America's last hundred years. The setting is dynamic and it is
given explicitly. We may see that the action takes place in United States of America as such
words as “New York”, “Manhattan” are mentioned. The time covers few weeks. We may also
guess the season.
The author presents the story in the third person narration. The story is about a colored man,
Coalhouse Walker Jr., who is a successful and professional pianist. He comes to Broadway
Avenue to find a colored woman, Sarah, with whom he had a love affair and even a child. He
wants to rectify his deeds. He is very well dressed and drives a new model T-Ford. He asks the
madam, from the house where Sarah resided, very politely and respectful about Sarah. The girl
doesn’t want to see him and he just looks at the child that was lying in the carriage, thanks and
walks away. From that time he continued to come every Sunday. Father considers his visit a
nuisance and wants to call the police. One Sunday he brings a bouquet of yellow
chrysanthemums, which in that season cost “a pretty penny” and mother decides to invite him to
serve tea. By the discussion, father notices no embarrassment in Walker’s behaviour. Walker
speaks about his job and his success and father understands that the message is addressed to the
girl upstairs and this made him get angry. Coalhouse accepts to play something for the family,
and namely “Wall Street Rag” and “The Maple Leaf” by Scott Joplin. “Small clear chords hung
in the air like flowers. The melodies were like bouquets”. The whole family is enchanted and
impressed but Sarah doesn’t want to come at all. After this he decides to take another glance at
the child and goes away.
Houdini (20’s to early 30’s, baritone): He’s a magician who gains worldwide notoriety for his
feats as an escapist. His character is, along with many others, less pronounced in the show than
in the novel. In the show, he embodies the story of an immigrant’s success in America. He also
reflects the rise of the fame and celebrity status that was newly emerging in this era due vastly
improved communication.
Mother (25 – 35, mezzo-soprano with a strong belt): Mother is a remarkable character. She very
much represents the rapidly changing ideals and cultural norms at-play within the country during
this era. In the absence of her husband, she must not only take on the role of managing the
household, but must also lead the business affairs of her husband’s company during his
expedition. The novel takes a bit more time to describe the successes she has at this venture. She
both witnesses and is equally changed by the times in which she lives.
Younger Brother (20 – 30, baritone): He represents one of the characters from the novel who is a
bit shortchanged in the show. He is quite intelligent, very idealistic, and very gifted in his trade,
but he lacks direction and focus. At the opening of the novel, Younger Brother is a depressed,
aimless young man who ties the entire value of his life to his relationship with Evelyn Nesbit.
When she dumps him he is devastated and suicidal. Unlike the rest of his family, Younger
Brother not only recognizes injustice in society, but he also stands up to it, however reckless his
behavior may be.
Father is a wealthy, white upper-class man who takes comfort in traditional gender roles, strict
social expectations, and segregation. While Mother changes with the times, Father remains
rigidly resolute in his ways despite many opportunities to grow. He appreciates feeling needed
and enjoys taking revenge on those who disrespect him; for example, he takes pleasure in
making Mother cry and in helping the police hunt for Coalhouse. He is concerned with his
legacy and with keeping up appearances to maintain his neighbors' respect; therefore, anything
scandalous or out of the ordinary deeply disturbs him.
Little Boy, the narrator and supposed author of this story. As a character, he generally remains
on the periphery of the various events that take place in the narrative.

"Ragtime" depicts America's melting pot as a cauldron spilling over into varying levels of chaos
and anarchy. Racism, class distinction, political corruption, police brutality, radicalized terrorism
and escalating technological progress are at the root of its intersecting themes.