A Chronicler Horatio Alger - Essay Example

Ragged Dick was the name of a bootblack that lived in the huts near the central park.  He spent his life shining the boots of wealthy businesspersons and in the evenings if he had money to spare then he would spend his time watching cheap plays at the Old Bowery theatre.  At night, he would spend his time sleeping wrapped in newspapers and if he would still have money after watching the theater then he would spend his night at Newsboy Lodging House spending 6 cents and he would buy himself a hearty meal at the café.  The novel is based on how a ragged dick has a sudden windfall and he obtains a lot of money.  The novel teaches the readers a lot of virtue through the life of Ragged dick.  It teaches the importance of education, the importance of being generous, and honest, and not inculcate any filthy habit of smoking or drinking.  The two questions instilled in my mind were What were the differences between Dick’s and Frank’s perceptions? And What are the different themes that are enumerated in the novel Ragged Dick?

The entire novel is based on the dichotomy present between Frank and Dick’s character. While Frank is a genteel boy from the countryside who is completely captured and entrapped by the superficial appearances of the people and the different places.  Frank is initially disgusted and he looks down upon the appearance of Dick. Frank is just fascinated with the beauty around him and he cannot see the reality inside it.  Dick becomes the mouthpiece of Alger who teaches Didactics to the readers of the novel.

The different theme that has been discussed in the novel is Dick’s search for identity. The search for identity begins with the transition and growth of dick from childhood to adulthood. Another theme that has been dealt with in the novel is the theme of success.  The theme enacts the importance of being wealthy and it also marks the fulfillment of the American Dream. It also highlights the importance of social responsibility.