Does Houdini's storyline even matter?
Ragtime is filled with various characters and perspectives, ranging from Tateh living in the slums to J.P. Morgan and Henry Ford at the top of society. Each perspective is entertaining in their own way, some more than others. The frequent switching of perspectives is also fascinating, as it allows the author to intertwine the storylines and use literary devices and elements in a unique way. For example, Doctorow seems to introduce unnecessary characters disguised as main characters. First of all, it’s difficult to tell which storyline was the “main one”, if there even is one. In my opinion, Coalhouse Walker’s was the main one, but Morgan’s adventure and Mother’s life with Tateh were also notable. The stories overlapping, evolving, and splitting further complicate the question. The main characters obviously depend on the dominant story, so certain characters may be more or less useful depending on which story seems more important. For example, al...