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
Related Articles
- EP ID EP29642
- DOI -
- Views 410
- Downloads 8
Branding with social media: user satisfaction, the use of patterns, and content strategies brand messaging
The purpose of this research is to investigate the branding with social media, user satisfaction, use of patterns, content strategies of brand messaging. The population of research was the users of the social network,...
Application of Special Theory of Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and Dark Plasma Theory to Evaluate the Heart and Soul are Light
Soul is considered as a fundamental of all living systems which is invisible. Again, the visible heart (medical term) is the indicator of living stage. This study presents the evaluation of these two things: heart and...
Clarification of training importance on development (family institution)
The concepts of national security and power are changing in this era. And they are not measured with the army and hard ware component. The development issues are more considered. In this investigation we are going to s...
Explanation of the spatial structure of new Political- administrative cities, case study: The new city of Putr
The spatial structure of cities depend on various and mutual relationships between all forces and factors of the city. These factors can contain labor market force, activities, urban Infrastructure and various services...
Review of economic issues in marketing Mohammadi flower Fars Case Study: Darab city
Mohammadi flower, including crops that require processing after harvest is. Therefore, in addition to the product also plays an important role in agricultural industries is conversion. Considering that more than half M...