As we’ve read Ragtime, I’ve
grown particularly interested in Doctorow’s depiction of the rich, specifically
as seen through J. P. Morgan. I think that Doctorow’s evident distaste and mocking
of the rich is intriguing, and I wanted to do some research into Morgan, his
money, and his personality.
Doctorow comments on
Morgan’s lack of a rags to riches, “American” story, ironically pointing out
that he was born into no small amount of money. In fact, Morgan attributed his
success in life “more than anything to the endorsement of [his] father’s friends.”
This is something I actually dislike about the classic Horatio Alger story. In
the situation where Morgan’s parents were successful and did make money, why should
it make their child any less worthy to make money, hold money, and grow an
empire that extends past the borders of countries? Especially in a situation
where Morgan recognizes his background, unlike the well-used example of Donald
Trump, there should be no reason to shame somebody from coming from a wealthy
background, as they have no say in their bearing.
In addition, Doctorow seems
to portray Morgan as ‘unamerican.’ He talks about how Morgan has bailed the government
out of debt and seems to portray Morgan as somebody who is a citizen of only his
money, basically ruling the world. Morgan has seemingly surpassed America, and
now seems himself as a reincarnated Pharaoh. Doctorow portrays Morgan in a
harsh light, making him seem self-absorbed and petty, but I find myself
sympathizing with the character in some ways. When he is dining with the other
rich men, and finds them very trite and annoying, it could perhaps be because
he is looking in the wrong places for companionship. Perhaps Morgan is being
bound by the very wealth that has freed him from all restraints, and due to his
inability to interact with the lower classes such as Evelyn Nesbit does with Tateh,
he cannot find the people with whom he deems to be on his level. I think that
although Doctorow makes Morgan into an undesirable character, he has his
redeemable qualities.
