Is the American Dream for Anybody?

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Ragtime – Music and History; Critique and the Unique Narration

2. When Literature Meets Cultural History; Ragtime as a Work of Midfiction; Doctorow’s Style

3. Characters; History is Fiction

4. Kleist, the Forgotten Genius

Conclusion

Bibliography

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis examines E. L. Doctorow's 1975 novel Ragtime by analyzing its generic hybridity, its reflection of American history, and its exploration of social hierarchies. The study investigates how the author blends real historical figures with fictional characters, the structural influence of ragtime music, and the thematic parallels between the novel's protagonist and Heinrich von Kleist's Michael Kohlhaas.

• The intersection of real history and fictional narratives within the "midfiction" genre.
• The sociopolitical status of immigrants and African-Americans in early 20th-century America.
• The role of the narrator and the structural mimicry of musical ragtime in the novel's composition.
• Literary parallels and the theme of revenge, specifically the connection to Kleist’s work.
• Metamorphosis and the quest for the American Dream across different social strata.

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter Summaries

Introduction: The introduction outlines the thesis's scope, focusing on the novel's genre, the historical era of the early 20th century, and the diversity of the characters' origins.

1. Ragtime – Music and History; Critique and the Unique Narration: This chapter analyzes the significance of the title, linking the structural patterns of ragtime music to the novel’s narrative rhythm and the importance of the mirror metaphor.

2. When Literature Meets Cultural History; Ragtime as a Work of Midfiction; Doctorow’s Style: This section explores Doctorow's mastery of the semi-historical novel, discussing the blending of fact and fiction and the author's approach to representing marginalized social groups.

3. Characters; History is Fiction: This chapter examines the three distinct social groups represented in the novel, focusing on the immigrant experience and the struggle of African-Americans for rights and recognition.

4. Kleist, the Forgotten Genius: The focus here is on the intertextual relationship between Coalhouse Walker Junior and Michael Kohlhaas, exploring themes of vigilantism and revenge.

Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, praising Doctorow’s ability to turn historical events into compelling, transformative fiction and reflecting on the novel's continued relevance.

Bibliography: Provides a comprehensive list of secondary sources and literary critiques used to support the analysis of Doctorow’s work.

Keywords

Ragtime, E. L. Doctorow, historical novel, midfiction, Coalhouse Walker, Heinrich von Kleist, Michael Kohlhaas, immigration, American Dream, revenge, social injustice, narration, metamorphosis, historiography, identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this thesis?

The thesis focuses on analyzing E. L. Doctorow’s novel Ragtime (1975) through various lenses, including its genre, the depiction of early 20th-century American history, and the socio-cultural experiences of immigrants and African-Americans.

What are the central thematic fields explored?

The work explores themes of revenge, justice, the American Dream, the interplay between history and fiction, and the concept of metamorphosis in human identity and social status.

What is the core research objective?

The primary objective is to investigate how Doctorow uses historical and fictional elements to construct a narrative that reflects the social reality of the early 1900s while challenging traditional historiography.

Which scientific methods are applied?

The study utilizes a literary analysis approach, drawing on historical context, contemporary critique, intertextual comparison with the works of Heinrich von Kleist, and an examination of socio-political dynamics of the era.

What topics are covered in the main body of the work?

The main body covers the structural and metaphorical significance of the title, the author's writing style, the social dynamics of the main character groups, and the literary antecedents of the central revenge plot.

Which key terms best describe this thesis?

Key terms include Ragtime, midfiction, historical novel, metamorphosis, American Dream, and intertextuality.

How does the narrator’s perspective impact the story?

The narrator is identified as "The Little Boy," whose obscured, non-omniscient perspective contributes to the novel's indeterminate and mythological feel, allowing for a focus on transformation and observation.

What is the significance of the Coalhouse Walker and Michael Kohlhaas parallel?

The parallel serves as the foundation for examining the theme of "unlawful" revenge triggered by social injustice, where the protagonist is pushed to vigilantism because established legal systems fail to offer redress.

How is the "American Dream" portrayed in the novel?

The "American Dream" is portrayed through the lens of immigrant success stories, such as Tateh's metamorphosis into Baron Ashkenazy, while simultaneously critiquing the cost of such assimilation and the irony of "progress."

Does the author consider Ragtime to be purely historical?

No, the author defines Ragtime as "midfiction" or a semi-historical novel, emphasizing that Doctorow prioritizes colorful, entertaining storytelling over factual accuracy to explore the "what could have been" of history.