In E. L. Doctorow’s Ragtime, we learn the story and struggles of distinct genders, classes, races and ethnicities during the turn of the last century. Two such members of these different backgrounds are Tateh and Coalhouse. The first man is a Jewish immigrant who transforms himself from a poverty stricken, frightened newcomer to Baron Ashenazy, a wealthy, flamboyant Americanized filmmaker. The second man is an educated, well-dressed black musician who comes to be known …showed first 75 words of 1241 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1241 total…he feels he is making advancements for his son’s future. In conclusion, we find that while Tateh and Coalhouse both fight gender, class, race and ethnicity to improve in their roles as fathers, they do this in contrasting ways. While Tateh removes himself from his troubles, Coalhouse seems only to provoke them. Yet, both men are happy with what they are doing and are confident they are doing the right thing for their children.