Hi Teacher and Readers,
This is a great book and for those who have read, you need no encouragement from me. Those who have not started, go head read any chapter that you wish to start with. You may find it hard to be engrossed with reading; as there are quotations marks for the dialogues. But I promise you, it grabs you once you get started. So, be patient, be creative and be rewarded!
1. When was Ragtime written? What was happening at the time? How do we relate to it today?
2. Describe the setting of Ragtime. When and where does the story take place? Why might an author have chosen to write about this time period and these places and events?
3. What is ragtime music and why did the author choose the title "Ragtime" for this novel?
4. The author incorporated many historical figures in his novel. Who are they and why are they chosen? How much do you know about them before your reading of Ragtime?
5. What is the quotation by Scott Joplin which served as the novel’s epigraph? What does it mean?
6. Who is the narrator of the story? Does the point of view of the narrator shift throughout the story?
7. Which characters (fictional or historical) have impressed you, and why?
8. What are some of the innovations represented in the book? How does their presence affect the characters? How do you think the author would incorporate Steve Jobs?
9. Who Evelyn Nesbit and what is the conversation between her and Goldman in their first meeting?
10. Who is Harry Houdini and what is he after?
11. Why might J.P. Morgan be so fascinated with Egyptology? Do his fortune and his collection of valuable objects bring him peace? Why do you think he invites Henry Ford to meet with him?
12. What are the stories of Coalhouse Walker, about his courtship, music and injustice?
13. Why do you think that Mother and Tateh end up together? How did the stories end?
14. What are the meanings and values that are conveyed by the stories and characters? Share some! Or share some of your favourite passages, and why have they impressed you?
Those are excellent questions! I'd like to make some notes while I go along with the book. I will post them here for references. Everyone is welcome to contribute.
什么是Ragtime：a musical genre that enjoyed its peak popularity between 1895 and 1918
音乐剧Ragtime: Ragtime is a musical with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty
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