Ragged Dick

            's Ragged Dick, a story of a young boy's struggle for respectability, addresses various social issues by appealing to common moral standards. The main character, Dick, is introduced as a boy who is satisfied living on a day by day basis, until he decides "turn over a new leaf, and try to grow up "spectable." (pg. 55) As Dick continually attempts to improve his status, Alger educates his readers with a series of lessons of honesty, education, hard work and self identity. .
             By appealing to the moral and social standards of the late nineteenth century, Horatio Alger, Jr. appeals to the parent's ideal of raising respectable, upstanding young boys. During this time, a citizen was deemed genteel according to status. A typical boy growing up as a bootblack on the streets of New York would have to overcome great hurdles to become a respectable citizen. For example, as Dick attempts to secure a better life, he is continually bullied by "the leader of a gang of young ruffians," (pg. 91) Mickey, who accuses Dick of "puttin" on airs." (pg 96) Even though the boy is larger, and most likely stronger, Dick refuses to fight due to the ungentlemanly nature of brawling and instead uses his wits to outsmart Mickey. By doing this, Alger emphasizes that force, "a low business," (pg 95) is not always necessary and that difficult situations can often be solved through a more thoughtful process. .
             Alger also emphasizes the importance of honesty through Ragged Dick. While most boys of Dick's age often steal to make ends meet, Dick refuses to deviate from his moral principles. He continually communicates his feelings about theft and swindling saying that "it ain't my style." (pg. 16) Dick stays true to his word by honestly returning change from a shine and after being accused of theft, on two different accounts, is confirmed innocent for each. Through these actions, Alger illustrates that Dick is able to make a better life for himself, without having to modify his beliefs, and by doing so is able to make advantageous friends and becomes a more trustworthy person simply by his sticking to his better judgment.