I cannot recall a single
novel in any of my previous American Literature classes with a plotline as
consistently positive as Horatio Alger's Ragged Dick. My mind
was essentially brainwashed into thinking the only way a novel could be a
generation-transcending classic was if it had a sad, upsetting, or (at best)
ambiguous ending. Along with fellow 1868 publication Little Women, this
course has changed my overall perception of American literature—I was able to
finish both books without feeling a deep sense of frustration
with how some aspect of the story turned out. Lovable protagonist Dick is
obviously the core reason why this novel carries an uncanny amount of
positivity, and the good fortune he is granted at potential downturns
solidifies that feeling.
Dick certainly faces his
fair share of vices and hardships in this story, but the way he carries himself
despite these issues gives the novel a much more cheerful mood. From the outset
of the story, Alger articulates that Dick is an upbeat personality with a
positive outlook despite being an orphan boy with no future prospects beyond
boot-blacking. In describing Dick’s general filthiness in the opening chapter,
Alger writes, “Washing the face and hands is usually considered proper in
commencing the day, but Dick was above such refinement.” (Alger 7). This
sentence was the hook that attached me to Dick’s charming character. He
embraces his “unrefined” appearance in a comedic way that introduces the bright
side perspective he will carry throughout the novel.
Each time a potential
setback arose for Dick, I instantly thought that would be the moment he loses
everything, the moment he falls deep into a hole that is seemingly impossible
to escape. That’s just how the plot has played out in most underdog stories I’ve
read, and I figured Dick’s journey would reach that point too. When Dick’s bank
book is missing, I assumed he would never get it back. After eventually
accepting this frustrating loss, Dick would pick himself up, get back to work,
and learn to keep better watch of his money. Perhaps the story would conclude
with a penniless Dick, who though he again lacked money, now had the vital
skills necessary to succeed. Instead, Dick quickly recovers all of his money with the
help of some friends and some good luck. I realized how foolish it was for me
to assume the worst in this situation, particularly after Dick had already
narrowly avoided other crises.
I should not have
assumed that Alger was unwilling to end his novel in the way the reader
desires. If Ragged Dick were from the Hemingway era a plot and
ending so cheerful would be surprising, but different eras breed different
types of literature. Ragged Dick proves, to me at least, that
there is a place for truly happy endings in classic American Literature.
I agree that this book was consistently and extremely upbeat despite many struggles which Dick goes through in order to become a “’spectable” (86) member of society. However, after reading over 100 pages of this constant positivity I grew rather bored and uninterested in Dick’s story as a whole. It seemed to me that no matter how big of a scrape Dick got in to, within the next chapter or to he would have figured out a way to get out of it. After numerous run-ins with less morally wholesome individuals than himself, it seemed very clear that Dick’s honesty and moral integrity would always allow him to come out on the right side of every situation. Having to read this plot line over and over was a little boring in my opinion, and did not exactly leave me rooting for Dick, as I knew already that no matter what happened he would turn out alright in the end. Where is the fun in a story without a little drama every now and then? Though this book was alright overall, it definitely did not leave me wanting more, and I cannot see myself picking up a copy of Ragged Dick again soon to reread it.
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