Earlier in class we discussed Doctorow's development of Evelyn Nesbit, specifically in the context of her newfound interest in charity. The class had mixed reactions. Some thought that this shed light on (or created) a more complex and caring side of a historical figure who was more or less seen as shallow and amoral in her time. Others found her fascination with Tateh's daughter to be based in novelty, invasive, and even pedophilic. I definitely believe that Nesbit has at least some noble intentions behind caring for the girl, and her willingness to stay anonymous and uncelebrated is admirable. In addition to this, in a novel that frequently uses characters to make sociopolitical commentary, I felt that Doctorow was trying to initiate a discussion of the nature of charity and its corruption in some cases.
Nesbit is not supporting a broad group of poor people in her visits to the slums. Instead, she is visiting and becoming a patron of a specific family. Pushing any possible predatory motivations aside, one must consider the motivations behind her charity specifically. Why does one choose to support an individual instead of a larger group? Some might say that it establishes a base of human respect and dignity between both parties, but it is perhaps also a result of the upper-class philanthropist's dissatisfaction at not being able to witness firsthand the results of their donation. The quite substantial donations that Nesbit does make are to anarchist newspapers, not a despicable cause by any means, but most would find these to be less pressing in the grand scheme of things. Would it not be more honorable for her to sincerely donate large sums of money to the poor as a whole? I don't think there's a concrete answer to this question, but I was very intrigued by Doctorow's construction of this plot arc surrounding Evelyn Nesbit and the Tateh family.
