Throughout the entirety of the novel there has been once question in the back of my mind. Where exactly does Dick get his good morals from? Many of the other people in this story have no problem with stealing, one example being Jim Travis, a poor bartender that lives in Mott Street. Travis heard Dick mention his bank book and jumped at the chance to steal it. Travis isn't the only moraless character we meet in this novel. Mickey Maguire is another example of a poor young man, his jealousy of those more fortunate causing him to often act out, leading his gang in "acts of ruffianism" (Alger 55). Both Travis and Maguire live in similar conditions as Dick throughout different points of the novel, however, Dick never submits to their type of behavior. The author tells us early on that Dick "was above doing anything mean or dishonorable" and that he would never steal from another person because he knew it was wrong (Alger 7). Not only does Dick abstain from a life of crime, he does as much good as he possibly can. Time and again Dick has helped those less fortunate than himself, whether it was buying Johnny Nolan breakfast, providing Henry Fosdick with a home, or saving a little boy from drowning, Dick was always being a hero.
Clearly Dick is established to be somewhat of a moral character, and I have wondered what influenced his actions. He practically raised himself, and only attended school for two days, so it was unlikely that he had much moral influence from a parental figure or teacher. I then thought that perhaps he practiced some type of religion, given that that often provides a moral code. However, it was revealed that Dick did not grow up religious when he questioned Fosdick’s actions while he was praying (Alger 66). By the end of the novel, I concluded that it is most likely that Dick developed his moral code as he grew up. He knew how it felt to be attacked by Maguire, or robbed by Travis, and it is likely that he had been a victim many times before we met him. I believe that being on the receiving end of meanness is what taught Dick to live morally and to be helpful and kind to others. He continued adding to his moral code as the story continued as a result of various encounters. Dick received a great gift from Frank and his uncle, and he then knew he had to be better than he was. He knew that he needed to be educated and help himself just as he helped others. Dick began to save his money instead of wasting it on cigars and the theater, and eventually after speaking with Mr. Greyson, began going to Sunday school. Overall, I believe that Dick is good because the adversity he has faced growing up on the streets, combined with the friends he has made, shaped him to be this way.
I agree with your points and conclusion about Dick's morality, Emma. This is not something that I had considered while reading the novel, but I think you bring up an excellent point.
ReplyDeleteLike we discussed in class when we were talking about morality in different countries, many people gain their sense of right and wrong from their religion. Religion serves as an excellent how-to guide for being a "good" person for many people. However, some see religion as the only thing that can give people a sense of morality, and I think that isn't fair to the atheists of the world who are perfectly good people. Dick does seem to have a heightened sense of empathy, which is exemplified by his describing stealing as "mean" (Alger 10). This sense of empathy is what drives Dick to treat others with kindness — he is not influenced by any religion or parental figure to be kind, he does it because he knows how it feels to be picked on.
I think that this theme in the book is so interesting, and I’m glad that you brought it up. Especially during this time period in America, religion was extremely important to society and influenced people’s daily lives even more so than it does now. Because of this, I find it unique that Alger chose to give Dick his sense of morality derived from his own empathetic nature. Even today many people struggle to understand where atheists can find a sense of morality without a religion, so I believe that for the time period that this book was written in, this is an extremely progressive view.
Your question of where Dick's morality comes from is one that I had considered while reading the novel as well. Alger portrays Dick's sense of right and wrong to merely come from the fact that he is a good person with strong character. Dick is consistently referred to as "our hero" throughout the novel, and refuses any sort of manipulative or wrong behavior. Painting Dick in this heroic light makes it easy for the reader to assume that Dick's morals come from the fact that he was born a good person. However, I find this explanation insufficient.
ReplyDeleteWhile it may contradict Alger's opinion, I find it much more likely that Dick pursued an honorable path because he saw throughout his life on the streets that good behavior is rewarded while bad behavior is punished. For example, Dick's assistance to Frank in the beginning of the novel left him with a new suit and a better understanding of what a responsible, good life looks like. He was again rewarded with academic lessons when he assisted Fosdick and a new job when he saved the little boy from the water. In contrast, Dick witnessed how lying and manipulation inevitably led to hardship and punishment, specifically in his experiences with Micky and Travis. Therefore, I think that Dick learned an adapted to his life experiences and the results of the his own choices as well as the choices of those around him. He gained an understanding of what is right and wrong through the end result of his actions.