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Willie Conklin
Charles S. Whitman is a historical figure who’s called to the scene after Coalhouse Walker Jr. seizes control of J. P. Morgan’s library. As the New York County District Attorney, he’s the most senior representative of the law there and he must cancel his plans to visit Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish’s house for the weekend. Ultimately concerned about his political future, Whitman demonstrates reluctance to negotiate with Coalhouse Walker Jr. (fearing the backlash from angry whites if he gives in to the demands of a Black man) or to do anything for which he can ultimately be held accountable. For this reason, he defers to Father’s opinion of the situation, since Father is acquainted with Coalhouse. Whitman’s political aspirations include the presidency, although historically he never got higher than being the governor of New York.
Charles S. Whitman Quotes in Ragtime
The Ragtime quotes below are all either spoken by Charles S. Whitman or refer to Charles S. Whitman . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 37
Quotes
He was against all Negro agitation on questions of political and social equality. He had written a best-selling book about his life, a struggle up from slavery to self-realization, and about his ideas, which called for the Negro’s advancement with the help of his white neighbor. He counseled friendship between the races and spoke of promise for the future. His views had been endorsed by four Presidents and most of the governors of Southern states. Andrew Carnegie had given him money for his school and Harvard had awarded him an honorary degree.
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Explanation and Analysis:
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Charles S. Whitman Quotes in Ragtime
The Ragtime quotes below are all either spoken by Charles S. Whitman or refer to Charles S. Whitman . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 37
Quotes
He was against all Negro agitation on questions of political and social equality. He had written a best-selling book about his life, a struggle up from slavery to self-realization, and about his ideas, which called for the Negro’s advancement with the help of his white neighbor. He counseled friendship between the races and spoke of promise for the future. His views had been endorsed by four Presidents and most of the governors of Southern states. Andrew Carnegie had given him money for his school and Harvard had awarded him an honorary degree.
Related Characters:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
