Ragtime Time Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

In the clear blue light of the moon he heard from a native guide of the wisdom given to the great Osiris that there is a sacred tribe of heroes, a colony from the gods who are regularly born in every age to assist mankind. (19.6)

Yup, that's reincarnation. Morgan is fascinated with it and the time of the Egyptians, since he thinks that's where he started, as part of this tribe. He becomes convinced Henry Ford is part of this tribe, too.

Quote #8

The cortege moved slowly. Children ran behind it and people on the sidewalks stopped to stare. [...] The sun shone. Gulls rose from the water. They flew between the suspension cables and settled along the railing as the last of the cars went by. (26.1)

This is Sarah's funeral procession, which moves into Brooklyn more like a parade than a funeral. The point being made here is that time moves on even in death... even when, to those who are grieving, it seems like the world has stopped.

Quote #9

He was upside down over Broadway, the year was 1914, and the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was reported to have been assassinated. It was at this moment that an image composed itself in Houdini's mind. The image was of a small boy looking at himself in the shiny brass headlamp of an automobile. (40.21)

Time and memory. Back in the beginning of the book, Houdini is told by the Little Boy to "warn the duke." He pays the comment no mind, and then spends half the book looking for evidence of the supernatural. With the image of the boy in his headlamp, it all comes together for Houdini, who we find out tries to visit the Little Boy after this but is unsuccessful.