From Ragged Dick to Richard Hunter

From the beginning of the book to the end, the narrator emphasizes Ragged Dick's honest character. In the first few pages, the narrator specifically outlines Dick's refusal to steal. In his interactions with other shoe shiners and civilians, he makes certain to emphasize that Ragged Dick does not steal. His commitment to finding change and repaying people back is outstanding. In the end, Dick's instinct to help the drowning boy shows the father how responsible and authentic Dick's personality is.

Ragged Dick's transformation from a shoe shiner to a clerical position is a result of his perseverance, good will, and opportunistic outlook. When the reader is first introduced to Dick, the narrator states how Dick was "above refinement of clean hands and face" (2). While Dick might work hard and earn every penny, he wasn't above the occasional vices of spending every dime. However, this begins to change when he meets the Whitneys and dons 'proper clothes'. He starts to understand that people treat others more respectfully when they are dressed well and look the part of a society-bred man. When he puts on his dirty clothes the next day, he realizes that he doesn't want to be the same Ragged Dick that squandered every coin.

Throughout the book, Dick is rewarded for his generosity, honesty, and overall wholesome character. It even states many times in the book that he was fortunate and luck was on his side. However, the transformation begins to accelerate after Ragged Dick begins to take the necessary measures of becoming a respectable figure. He opens a bank account and starts saving money for more clothes and ideally a clerical job. He helps out a boy named Fosnick by offering him a place to stay before he even thinks about asking Fosnick to tutor him. Later, Dick helps his friend get a job by pooling his savings together with Fosnick. When he gives Grayson the 15 cents, the gentleman offers Dick a Sunday school education. Later, after Dick upholds his promise, he is rewarded with a lunch at the Grayson mansion. At the end, Dick's humbleness of his bravery is noted by the father, who in turn, gives Grayson a clerical job and new clothes to go along with it. This denotes the change from Ragged Dick to Richard Hunter, Esq.

Ragged Dick, Our Hero

In Ragged Dick, Alger chronicles the life of a young boot-black, Dick, and his attempts to climb the ladder of society to become a “respectable” young man. Throughout the novel there is an unnamed narrator who consistently refers to Dick as “our hero” (Alger 128).  Early on this led me to believe that this young man would not only be the protagonist in this book, but also devote his time to fending off villains threatening him and his acquaintances with unthinkable perils. Yes, Dick is the protagonist and does fight a few antagonists throughout the novel; however, I believe he is addressed as a hero because to the reader Dick fights on the behalf of those who are less fortunate, and reaffirms that the American Dream is possible to all of us.

Throughout the novel Dick takes many young boys under his wing to ensure they are provided for.  At the beginning of the novel when Dick is nothing more that a boot-black on the bottom most rung of society, he spotted a boy gazing “wistfully into the restaurant” he was eating at and promptly offers to purchase another meal for young Johnny Nolan (8).  As he rises up the ladder, Dick remains dutifully helping those who are in need. When Tom Dickens is in need of money to pay his family’s rent, Dick steps up and donates the money needed as well as an extra dollar for food because “[Dick] ought to be” that kind (116). These selfless acts earn Dick the title of hero in the lives of those he helps, but it still does not explain why the narrator believes he is a hero to the reader as well.

The intended audience of Ragged Dick at the time of release was likely boys between the ages of 12 and 18, the age most people begin to challenge what they are capable of and get set on a path for life. In my opinion, Dick and his endeavors are meant to be a reminder that anyone can work hard and improve their own life; a reminder of what the American Dream is all about. This dream has never been easy to achieve. As Dick models, it takes hard work, unwavering morals and the support of those around you. Even in the most trying of circumstances Dick remains dutiful in the path towards respectability. In the line of bullies, poor circumstances, and misunderstandings, he proclaims “stealin’ ain’t in my line” and continues along his own journey (66). This is an example that every American should strive to live up to.

The narrator is able to call Dick “our hero” because no matter the reader’s opinion of who the narrator is they can agree. If the narrator is a character in the book, then Dick is a champion for the underprivileged and deserves praise. If the narrator is a third party commentating on the adventures, like I believe, then Dick is a strong reminder that the American Dream is still worthy of chasing.

Ragged Dick's American Dream

Detailing the life and struggles of a young orphan in New York, Horatio Alger’s Ragged Dick has come to exemplify the American Dream since its publishing in 1867. This quintessential American ideology, in which it is assumed that those who work hard and persevere will eventually succeed, has become popularized with many “rags to riches” stories such as those featured in Ragged Dick. However, Ragged Dick’s seemingly accessible depiction of American Dream success is actually an American Dream with many conditions.

            Central to the American Dream is the notion that anyone, as long as they work hard in a persistent manner, is able to succeed despite their initial class and education. In Ragged Dick, Alger uses the juxtaposition of Dick with his friend and fellow bootblack, Johnny Nolan, to demonstrate the ideal American Dream candidate and its opposite. Alger writes, “Now, in boot-blacking business, as well as in higher avocations, the same rule prevails, that energy and industry are rewarded, and indolence suffers” (8). Dick becomes the face of the American Dream success story due to his tendency to seek out opportunities and to push himself in any endeavor he undertakes. In contrast, Johnny Nolan represents the unideal American Dream candidate due to his poor work ethic and lazy tendencies. Furthermore, Alger asserts that it is not the type of work being done that is important in the scheme of American success, but rather that the individual is continually bettering themselves through their efforts. Alger states that “energy and industry” are key, regardless if the job undertaken is that of the “boot-blacking business” or that of “higher avocations”.

            Along with industrious habits in any endeavor, the key to an individual’s success in Alger’s America is an education. Mr. Whitney, detailing his rise to success to Dick, states, “So you see, my lad, that my studious habits paid me in money, as well as in another way” (55). Alger emphasizes the importance of receiving an education and “studious habits” by associating them with Mr. Whitney, an individual already benefiting from the American Dream. Alger’s depiction of the American dream is alluring in its depiction of attainable success; however, it reveals requirements that make its attainment more difficult for any individual.

The American Dream in Ragged Dick

In Ragged Dick, Alger paints a picture of the idealist American fairytale. Dick is a poor street boy. What he lacks in money he makes up for in moral superiority and willingness to work in comparison to his peers. At the beginning of the story, Dick is sleeping in a box, but his spirits are always high and he never passes up an opportunity to work. After receiving advice and a new outfit from Mr. Whitney and Frank, Dick begins his upward journey.

            Dick represents an idealized version of early American values. Early in the novel, a heavy emphasis is put on Dick’s moral objection to stealing. He is very proud of the fact that he has never stolen, even though he had the chance to and has been tempted to in the past (as was the case when he was hungry and could not afford to buy bread). Dick also displays a heroic amount of selflessness. When Johnny does not have enough money for food, Dick buys his meal even though Dick only has a few cents himself. After Dick saves the drowning boy, he says “I didn’t stop to think of the dangers, but I wasn’t going to see that little fellow drown without tryin’ to save him” (128). This is another instance of Dick acting in a way that is far superior to the other boys on the street that the reader is introduced to.

            This story is one that is fun to read, but highly unrealistic. Dick may begin his journey in abject poverty, but, once he starts his social and economic climb, he experiences almost no setbacks. Issues that may be an obstacle (such as Mickey confronting Dick or the woman on the carriage who accuses the boys of theft) are taken in stride by the hero of this story. The ease with which Dick is able to move from his situation to the next level of society is the most unrealistic part of this story. Frank and Mr. Whitney tell Dick that he should go to school, wear nicer clothes, and rent a room and then Dick is able to immediately go out and do these things. A lot is also left up to chance as Dick is able to finally get an office job after unknowingly saving an elite man’s son from drowning.

            As unrealistic as this novel seems for the 19^th century, the likelihood of this rags to riches story occurring today are even slimmer. It is hard to imagine a young boy, orphaned and left on the streets, being able to work his way into a “respectable” young business man in such a short period of time. This novel presents a story that is rare as an attainable goal for all Americans if they just stick to the “American Dream.”