Despite the importance placed on morals and ambition, Ragged
Dick, by Horatio Alger, Jr., is unrealistic because of the main character’s
reliance on luck in order to succeed. Compassion plays a larger role in Dick’s
good fortune than his dedication to good morals.
From the beginning of the novel, Alger’s expectations are clear to the reader.
Alger describes that, although Ragged Dick isn’t the perfect person, “he [is]
above doing anything mean or dishonorable,” including vices such as stealing
and cheating (8). Alger expects any deserving and successful person to hold
themselves to the same standards as Dick. In addition, while spending the day
with Dick, Frank suggests that Dick should learn how to read and write if he
wishes to improve his standing in life (36). Later in the novel, Alger
reaffirms this by saying that “there was something more than money needed to
win a respectable position in the world” (93). According to Alger, having good
morals, following one’s faith, and being ambitious are the necessary elements
for improving one’s station in life.
On the other hand, I feel that Alger undermines his emphasis on good morals though Dick’s reliance on good luck for his success. For example, Mr. Greyson shows unexpected kindness to Dick after he returns his change (95). Late, when Henry Fosdick is looking for a job, Mr. Greyson happens to walk into the store at the time of Fosdick’s interview and provides a reference for the young boot-black aspiring upward (127). This stroke of luck is the main reason Fosdick gets the job over any of the other young applicants. In addition to this, Dick secures a job by saving the son of a rich man from drowning (171). According to these examples, luck is the way in which one can get a job.
Although Alger’s emphasis on morals as a means of self-improvement are overshadowed by the power of good fortune, Alger sends an overarching message of compassion and empathy, which reinforces his theme of morality. Even though the characters are too lucky for the story to be realistic, most of their luck stems from good deeds and actions. Therefore, one can conclude that compassion is the key to improving one’s station in life. However inaccurate this may be in today’s world, compassion is a skill rarely taught and in short-supply. Although the luck results in unlikely success for Dick and Henry, the lessons taught in the novel are still relevant.
On the other hand, I feel that Alger undermines his emphasis on good morals though Dick’s reliance on good luck for his success. For example, Mr. Greyson shows unexpected kindness to Dick after he returns his change (95). Late, when Henry Fosdick is looking for a job, Mr. Greyson happens to walk into the store at the time of Fosdick’s interview and provides a reference for the young boot-black aspiring upward (127). This stroke of luck is the main reason Fosdick gets the job over any of the other young applicants. In addition to this, Dick secures a job by saving the son of a rich man from drowning (171). According to these examples, luck is the way in which one can get a job.
Although Alger’s emphasis on morals as a means of self-improvement are overshadowed by the power of good fortune, Alger sends an overarching message of compassion and empathy, which reinforces his theme of morality. Even though the characters are too lucky for the story to be realistic, most of their luck stems from good deeds and actions. Therefore, one can conclude that compassion is the key to improving one’s station in life. However inaccurate this may be in today’s world, compassion is a skill rarely taught and in short-supply. Although the luck results in unlikely success for Dick and Henry, the lessons taught in the novel are still relevant.
As I was reading Ragged Dick, I also noticed that one of the most common trends in the novel was Dick’s uncanny streak of luck. Repeatedly, wealthy and prestige strangers display unlikely compassion towards him. Whether it simply be advice or a new wardrobe, empathy seems to be the main guide in his journey to respectability. However, it seems quite unlikely that these affluent men would be willing to spare their riches to a boot-black for no apparent reason. Because of this, I agree that Horatio Alger Jr is using these events of luck to enforce the outstanding morals of Dick throughout the novel. For example, Dick would not have received his first new suit, a five-dollar bill, and important life advice from Frank if he hadn’t offered to show Frank around New York and told him about his moral values. Likewise, his fellow boot-blacks don’t have such luck because they obtain qualities that aren’t as desirable in young boys such as laziness and dishonesty.
ReplyDeleteAlthough his luck seems very unlikely, it continues to enforce honesty and kindness in Dick’s life. I think that his good fortune is meant to show young readers the importance of such virtue, because it becomes very obvious that his actions and the compassion of bystanders are directly linked.