E. L. Doctorow's Idea of Justice

Abstract

To the question "Although outwardly all of your novels seem different, do you see any connecting themes running through them," E.L. Doctorow answered, "One of my working principles is not to know too clearly or too objectively what I'm doing. The actual moment of composition is anything but cerebral or planned. I do have certain preoccupations, but I wouldn't call them anything more than preoccupations. For instance, I find myself extremely sensitive to the idea of injustice. The idea that something is not fair really gives me energy in writing. The idea of the imposition of people on each other-whether in their personal relationships or in large historical terms-seems to intrigue me." John Gardner also said, "E.L. Doctorow, m Ragtime, urges social justice in a more or less moving and persuasive way, but he IS not concerned with true morality." These two statements suggest that Doctorow's deep interest in novel writing is in the problem of justice in society.