What is the theme in Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow?

Change and growth are at the heart of this story. Every character within the novel grapples with change, be it personal growth of the world-at-large. Social, economic, ideological, and personal change are all present and the manner in which characters react to change speaks to both their position within society as well as their personality. Some characters embrace change, while others fail to do so.