Emma Goldman's Role in Ragtime

            As I read E.L. Doctorow’s Ragtime, my first and immediate excitement was due to Emma Goldman presence in the novel. Emma Goldman, one of my personal heroes, plays a crucial role is pointing out the flaws in the lifestyles in many people’s lives, specifically Evelyn Nesbit. Historically known as an anarchist and avid social and political activist, it was ideal for Doctorow to use a woman such Goldman to point out the flaws of an upper class woman.

Goldman fulfills her label as a “lion” and “rebel women” when she criticizes Evelyn for living a life of lies that focuses on the satisfaction of men and a capitalist society. Goldman states that Evelyn is a “creature of capitalism” and calls Evelyn’s beauty “false, cold, and useless.” We also see this powerfully feminist perspective when Goldman tells Evelyn that she should not wear a tight and uncomfortable corset. We must also take into account that Evelyn did not originally come from an upper class background. Goldman notices this and states that not only does Evelyn live to satisfy men, but she uses her sexual power to gain rank and rise as a capitalist. She states this at a social meeting in front of others, which leads to Tateh looking at her with disdain. However, while Goldman constantly condemns Evelyn, she also uses a sort of appeal with Evelyn by stating that they are not completely different in that they have both gone through the experience of having their men in prison.

Goldman and perhaps Doctorow believe that women should not live their lives in a manner that satisfies that sexual appeal of men, but that they should live in the manner that nature intends. Not only is Goldman a feminist, she is also an anarchist. Doctorow’s utilization of Emma Goldman is not just intended to criticize the patriarchal characteristics of the time, but also the hypocrisy of capitalist principles in the society.