Ragged Dick: An Inspiration for All

In the United States, one of the biggest epidemics that this country faces is poverty. Although the United States is one of the world super powers when it comes to economic status, there are millions of people who have little or no money of their own. Since the beginning of our nation’s history, many people have set out from their own native country to strike it big in America. This idea later became known as the American Dream; however for some, it was no dream at all. Those who were not able to obtain the dream instead lived in extreme poverty with no hope of redemption. All that was about to change because in 1867, Horatio Alger wrote Ragged Dick, Or Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks, a “rags to riches” tale about a boy named Dick, a New York City boot black. The book chronicles Dick’s inspirational adventure as he tries to overcome his situation and make a better life for himself by finding a better job and becoming educated. The book was an overwhelming success and captured the hearts of America. The main reason it obtained so much success was the inspirational themes it contained. The author wanted to show those living in poverty that it was possible to escape it with a simple change in lifestyle. He pushes this inspiration in a number of different forms throughout the book. Alger’s use of a very relatable main character, a positive message, and a happy ending all push his inspirational ideas to the next level.

In any novel, having a very relatable protagonist helps the reader form a connection with the book. Dick was a very successful character because of the connection the reader could make with him. Being a poor boy in the city with dreams of making it big was a dream shared by many boys of that day and age. However, because the author made Dick into a success, he changes from a relatable character to a role model. The author makes this change by throwing Dick into a series of challenges that test his character. For instance, when Micky Maguire tries to start a fight with Dick because of his new clothes, Dick doesn’t start throwing punches but instead he becomes the bigger person and only defends himself when he’s attacked. Though Dick could have easily taken Micky on, he did not want to start any trouble and stood up for himself without the use of violence. Another admirable quality about Dick that people look up to him for is his sense of humor. Although Dick is very poor, he is in very high spirits, cracking jokes to his customers and making the best of his situation. An example of this is when one of Dick’s customers asks him about his clothes and he tells him that his coat once belonged to General Washington and his pants belonged to Lewis Napoleon. By remaining in high spirits even though his situation is a little rocky, he doesn’t let it get him down and he’s more productive because of it. It is his positivity that makes him such an inspirational character.

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