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.
I agree that Dick is largely viewed as a hero by the narrator because of his constant hard work and good moral characteristics, but I believe that the power of this book is limited by believing that it can only effect boys ages 12-18. Many young adult novels these days are read by people of all ages, not just the targeted audience, so it is quite possible that Ragged Dick has been and will be read by readers of all ages, not just adolescent boys. The ideals of the American dream are universally applicable to all readers, whether they are poor and “tryin’ to grow up respectable” (161), or are rich and must remember to “repay it to some [one] who was struggling upwards” (154). In the end Dick’s kindness to all those around him, no matter what age, gender, or social class they may be is truly what makes Dick an archetype of human capabilities. His abilities to work hard day in and day out, throw away his vices, and to strive towards respectability through education are what make Dick the embodiment of the American dream, and the hero of this book, not only to the other characters, but also to us as the reader.
ReplyDeleteAlger calling Dick "our hero" throughout the book also stood out to me. It stuck me that Alger first highlighted Dick's failures. Dick "swore sometimes, and now and then he played tricks upon the unsophisticated boys from the country..." (Alger 6). He is also extravagant and he gambles. Alger very much wanted us to know that Dick is not an ordinary hero and does not possess the outright virtue of someone like Beth March. Indeed, Alger calls Dick our "ragged hero" (6) and highlights his tattered appearance. He does not want us to identify with Dick because he is handsome, poised, or rich, but because he is “frank and straight-forward, manly, and self-reliant” (7).
ReplyDeleteHowever much Dick may remind me of Oliver Twist, Alger never takes it there, as he’s painting the picture of what his ideal hero, although unconventional, would be. Alger proves Dick’s ragged goodness through people’s implicit trust of him. For instance, Mr. Greyson trusts Dick to bring him his change at his office right after he meets him. Later, Mr. Whitney trust Dick to show Frank around town because he judges that Dick has “an honest face, and [he] thinks he can be depended upon” (16). Later, Greyson says that he hopes good things come to Dick, because it’s clear that “[he] evidently [has] some good principles to start with” (72). Immediately afterward, Dick scores himself a tutor in Fosdick.