Ragtime Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 1, Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

Part 1, Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

Ragtime is the story of two families living in America in the early days of the twentieth century, amid the influx of immigrants and social changes that altered the complexion of the country both positively and negatively. The story begins in New Rochelle, New York, in the home of an affluent family. The head of the family is a man who owns a company that produces flags, patriotic bunting and fireworks. The family lives in a world of delicacy where nothing as unpleasant as problems with immigrants or Negroes ever existed.

The head of the household is referred to simply as Father. His wife is known as Mother, and their child is the Little Boy. Mother's brother and father also live in the house, and they are referred to as Mother's Younger Brother and Grandfather respectively. Mother's Younger Brother likes to keep his own company and spends much time riding...
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