“And history books forgot about us and the bible didn't mention us
And the bible didn't mention us, not even once”
-“Samson”, Regina Spektor1
Surely we all want to be remembered when we pass, knowing that in some way, by someone, we will not be forgotten once our bodies lay cold in the ground. If the millions of square miles that are used as graveyards, ornamented with heavy and expensive tombs at everyone’s heads, don’t exemplify this, lets look at a more contemporary example; our desire in life to produce memorable and worthy work whose impact will echo in eternity. To what extent, however, does this desire impact our lives, and how much bearing should it have on our actions and our happiness?
Most people know the name Houdini, remembered as “one of the most renowned magicians of the 20th century”2. His name and story can be found in most history books and encyclopedias, and he has had an immense impact on the entertainment world in America. In the book Ragtime, by E.L. Doctorow, however, his character is deeply concerned with the lack of significance of his life and career, and his desire to have a more significant contribution to the world. The author moves into free indirect discourse to represent his concern over this issue. While Houdini is described to be marveling the current events of the time and the amazing discoveries and advancements that were being made, it says, “The real-world act was what got into the history books.”(99) Despite the fact that Houdini was, in fact, a significant historical figure, he has an insecurity about the insignificance of his work, which causes him to be very unhappy and discontent with his life.
This desire to be remembered in history and make significant contributions to society for which they will be remembered is shown with father’s friend and comrade Peary, the Arctic explorer, as well. He says that no one will accompany him to the pole because he has been waiting his entire life to do so and he does not want to share his glory with anyone (pg 76). In reality, however, Robert Peary journeyed to the North Pole, accompanied by his assistant, Henson, and four Inuit men, only to return home to find another man claiming to have reached it a whole year earlier3. Peary then spent the next few years of his life running about trying to discredit his competitor, Frederick A. Cook’s, claim to having reached the pole. The Atlanta Constitution, a contemporary newspaper, published an article in October of 1909 about his latest attempt to discredit Cook’s achievement4. While Peary was trying desperately to be remembered for his discovery, his enjoyment of his success was inhibited by his need to justify his accomplishment, rather than being personally proud of his work. This attitude and his need to publically demonstrate his accomplishment illustrates his immense concern with being famous and setting a world record.
Peary and Houdini’s desire to be notorious for their work and remembered in history is interesting in this text because of the way in which the author weaves together historical facts with fictional, or seemingly fictional, characters. Both characters are famous, in their own right. Houdini is the poster-child for magicians and escape artists, and Peary is remembered as the man who first reached the pole, with both of them mentioned in many history books and most encyclopedias. Neither Houdini nor Peary, however, seem fully satisfied with their work, and while they both recognize the other and a significant person, they are deeply concerned with their own importance. Neither have ever met the other, but they are linked not only through their recognition of each other because they are both famous, but through Father, who is one of the few characters who is not historically relevant. While both characters seek recognition for their work and have a desire to be infamous and renowned after death, they are both left unsatisfied with their own accomplishments, no matter how well known they are by their contemporaries or how strongly their legacy is remembered.
By Stephanie Vaughn2 Freund, Steve. "Houdini, Harry." In Faue, Elizabeth, and Gary B. Nash, eds. Encyclopedia of American History: The Emergence of Modern America, 1900 to 1928, Revised Edition (Volume VII). New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2010. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAHVII109&SingleRecord=True (accessed April 26, 2011).
3 Waldman, Carl, and Alan Wexler. "Peary, Robert." Encyclopedia of Exploration, vol. 1. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2004. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EEXI702&SingleRecord=True (accessed April 26, 2011).
4 Peary, R., et al. "Peary Attempts to Discredit Cook by Testimony of Cook's Eskimo Boys: Another Chapter of the Polar War Peary Got Hold of Cook's Two Companions and Secured Statements from them. Peary Says Eskimos Traced Cook's Route and According to Peary, the Route Pointed Out Indicates that Cook Never Went Near the Pole---Peary's Statement Signed by several Members of His Expedition. Introduction by Peary. Route Taken by Cook shown by the Eskimos Peary Tries to Discredit Cook by Evidence of Cook's Eskimos Eskimo Father Called to Verify the Detail Cook then Crossed to Ellesmere Land Cook and the Eskimos Soon Turned to South Series of Questions Put to the Eskimos Position of the Island Criticised by One Boy Statement of the Boys Covers Cook's Journey Maybe Cook Got Mixed, Someone has Suggested After Killing Deer, Cook Went to South Eider Duck Eggs used Against Cook how Cook and Boys Returned to the Camp." The Atlanta Constitution (1881-2001): 1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Atlanta Constitution (1868-1945). Oct 13 1909. Web. 12 May 2011 <http://proxy.library.deerfield.edu:2048/docview/496261478?accountid=5249>.
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