Ragtime

Emma Goldman encapsulates the leftist and radical political philosophies explored in E.L. Doctorow's novel Ragtime. Based on an actual historical figure by the same name, Emma serves as a catalyst for characters in Ragtime, especially for Evelyn Nesbit. Staunch feminist and political activist, Emma Goldman allows readers of Doctorow's book insight into political and social philosophies that challenge the status quo. In particular, Emma Goldman represents the validity of communism, Marxism, and feminism, and points out the weaknesses inherent in the American capitalistic system. Milos Forman's 1981 film based on Doctorow's novel eliminated Emma's character, underplaying her significance as a character and as a historical figure. Even though Emma was written out of Forman's script, the themes of radical politics, gender, race, and class relations remain central to the film Ragtime.

One of Emma Goldman's primary roles in Doctorow's fiction is to help Evelyn see through society's restrictive gender roles, and enables her to confront and challenge her personal beliefs regarding gender, class, and sexuality. Emma's outspoken beliefs serve as an actual and symbolic rallying point. Furthermore, although their initial encounter was tense, Emma and Evelyn are depicted as two sides of the same coin in Ragtime. Both Emma and Evelyn embody the transformations occurring in American society that Doctorow depicts in his novel. Emma represents the radical transformation of women from objects of sexual lust to empowered individuals, while Evelyn represents the continued stereotyping of women by American culture. In her apartment, Emma symbolically removes Evelyn's restrictive clothing, garments that serve as symbols of women's oppression and of their being controlled by the desires of men. The debased appearance of Mother's Younger Brother from behind the curtains further emphasizes the twisted sexuality that stems from distorted views of women in society.

Forman might have selected to remove her from the script because Emma serves a largely symbolic role in Doctorow's novel. Nevertheless, Emma's presence in the film version of Ragtime is missed because she perfectly embodies the genuine political struggle for social justice in America.

Works Cited

Doctorow, E.L. Ragtime. New York: Penguin, 1997.

Forman, Milos (dir.). Ragtime. 1981 Film based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow.