The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about American life is achieving the “American Dream”. The very thought of living a life of freedom in lifestyle choice, economic opportunity, and political engagement, drove many immigrants to this country. E.L Doctorow explores this phenomenon in his novel, Ragtime. Although he speaks almost explicitly about achieving the American dream, what he does not say is almost as important. The American Dream is not achievable for African Americans, or any non-white person, who does not assimilate themselves with the help and approval of whites. First, I think it is important to examine the historical context surrounding this novel. The book takes place in 1902, a little more than 80 years after the abolishment of slavery, but when sharecropping, which was arguably a new form of slavery, was very prevalent. African Americans still did not have basic rights that they were entitled to, and many were destitute and at the mercy of the same government who mistreated them and their ancestors.
During this time period, a very important speech known as the Atlanta Compromise was given by Booker T. Washington, who makes an appearance in the …show more content…
The only non-white who has a “happy ending,” is Tateh, but only after he sells his soul by abandoning his old political beliefs and cultural identity. In the beginning of the novel, Doctorow portrays him as hardworking and respectable. He goes as far as to disassociate with Evelyn when he learns of her worldly and promiscuous Hollywood life, but in the end of the novel, he is producing the same type of Hollywood movies that she starred in. Only after he abandoned his anarchist ways, stopped fighting for his rights, and decided to assimilate, was he allowed by the white population to be successful. Tateh even goes as far as to dye is hair in his efforts to assimilate and forget his
During this time period, a very important speech known as the Atlanta Compromise was given by Booker T. Washington, who makes an appearance in the …show more content…
The only non-white who has a “happy ending,” is Tateh, but only after he sells his soul by abandoning his old political beliefs and cultural identity. In the beginning of the novel, Doctorow portrays him as hardworking and respectable. He goes as far as to disassociate with Evelyn when he learns of her worldly and promiscuous Hollywood life, but in the end of the novel, he is producing the same type of Hollywood movies that she starred in. Only after he abandoned his anarchist ways, stopped fighting for his rights, and decided to assimilate, was he allowed by the white population to be successful. Tateh even goes as far as to dye is hair in his efforts to assimilate and forget his