A Foucauldian Reading on E. L. Doctorow’s novel: Ragtime
Journal Title: Journal of Science and today’s world - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 11
Abstract
The notion of subjectivation defined by Michel Foucault as “the process by which one obtains the constitution of a subject or subjectivity” [1] occupies a key position in Foucault’s work. This paper intends to trace the concept of subjectivity and how it is formed or influenced by power in the novel: “Ragtime”. Ragtime, E.L. Doctorow’s breakthrough book, is an allegory which reveals a critical review of American life, freedom, identity and justice in contemporary times. The research is done through introducing the Foucauldian concepts of power and subjectivity and then analyzing and applying it on the novel and finding instances to prove that the subject modifies itself to the end of the novel by the events taking place in Ragtime. Characters are engaged in a sequence of exercises of self-modification that relies very much on their interactions with others, history and culture. There have not been many studies on subjectivity, though the other Foucauldian concepts like power and knowledge have been discussed more. It is demonstrated that the main characters in this novel come to an understanding of themselves through interactions, their choices and experiences. This is what Foucault believes to be the product of power and disciplinary. The transformation which happens to most characters in the novel is a key concept in Doctorow’s novels. As Bloom argues: “The legacy of Ragtime is to inspire humanity to be its best” [2].
Authors and Affiliations
Afsaneh Rahdar, Hojatollah Borzabadi Farahani
Keywords
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