Matthew Henson Character Analysis in Ragtime

Matthew Henson is a historical character, a Black American and an arctic explorer who crosses paths with Father when they both accompany Robert Peary on his third expedition to locate the geographic north pole. Peary chooses Henson as the only American to accompany him on his final push for the pole, which irks Father slightly because Henson is Black.

Matthew Henson Character Timeline in Ragtime

The timeline below shows where the character Matthew Henson appears in Ragtime. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Peary’s most trusted associate is a Black man named Matthew Henson . The day before the teams set out across the ice for the Pole, Father,... (full context)