Horation Alger Jr. wrote Ragged Dick Or, Street Life in New York with the Bootblacks in 1868. Alger recreates the story of a boy and his life as a boot black in the streets of New York City in the 19th century. While telling this story, Alger addresses some of the major issues in society. One was the belief of the middle class society: that anyone and everyone could improve themselves with hard work, good manners and an education. Another of Alger’s own beliefs was that the wealthy should help the poor. In the following paper I will address Alger’s thoughts on the hardship and prosperity of life in the New York City economy.
Before Ragged Dick meets Frank and his uncle, he doesn’t realize his ignorance; namely his speech, lack of care for his appearance and his accepta
Alger clearly shows his thoughts on how he believes the wealthy should help the less fortunate. Every significant male character in the book helps Dick in some way. Mr. Greyson, Mr. Whitney, Frank, and Fosdick all contribute to Dick’s thirst for knowledge and his quest to become a better man. They promise him that he can become learned and leave the boot-blacking business forever. Mr. Rockwell secures that promise when he hires Dick into his business and gives him a salary three-times what he would normally make. All these aid in the shaping of the new Ragged Dick, now known as Richard Hunter.
Overall I believe this book was a fairly close representation of what went on in the street life of New York City. Throughout the book Alger calls Dick “our hero,” and in a way h
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