Topic > Ragged Dick Character Type Analysis

Horatio Alger was the author of Ragged Dick. Ragged Dick became the most popular novel in his collection, published in 1867. This book tells the story of a character named Dick who is a shoe shiner in New York City. He goes from misery to success through endless effort and living in his truth despite the many obstacles he tends to face. Alger paints a picture of Ragged Dick's character throughout the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One day, Dick ran into Tom Wilkins, a street kid from New York City, whose mother is facing eviction. Alger points out that Tom Wilkins' mother was ill and going through a difficult time. She earned three to four dollars a week, but after becoming ill she could no longer afford the expenses. Tom's mother feared that she would be removed from her residence. Dick took pity on them and volunteered to give Tom Wilkins cash for the rent. After receiving it, Tom's mother felt less worried: "... now she feels much calmer." "I still have some for you, Tom," said Dick, pulling a two-dollar bill from his pocket. (Alger ) In this scene he came to the rescue of Tom's family. He knew what it was like to have financial difficulties from personal experience. Dick was a person who had a caring heart and automatically helped a friend in need Is Dick so charitable in this story even though he tries to save money? The day Dick and Henry were walking to the South Ferry was the revelation of his heroic deed. They got on the ferry next to a gentleman and his two sons. The father was showing some things to his daughter and his son hid in an unguarded area. Unfortunately, the son ends up falling into a stream. The boy's father doesn't know how to swim and would put his life in danger if he tried, he jumps in. He was looking for someone to save his son and offered a reward. Alger points out that Dick is a wonderful swimmer and when he saw the boy, his mind was set on saving him: Now Dick was an expert swimmer. It was a skill he had possessed for years, and as soon as he saw the boy fall he decided to save him. His determination was formed before he heard the liberal offer made by the boy's father. Indeed, I must do justice to Dick in saying that, in the excitement of the moment, he did not feel it at all, nor would it have stimulated the alacrity with which he rushed to the little boy's rescue. (Alger) Dick chose to save the boy because of his blend of characteristics that reside within him to motivate his willingness to help. His vision was to save a life rather than benefit from a good effort. What qualities do you think Dick displayed when he saved the child who was in danger after falling off the ferry? To be considered a candidate for a job, Fosdick must make a good impression based on how he is dressed. Alger notices Dick buying a suit for Fosdick, so he will look presentable for his job interview. He was determined that Fosdick should have a good, serviceable suit, even if it would take all the money they had. The result of their research was that for twenty-three dollars Fosdick obtained a very neat outfit, including a pair of shirts, a hat and a pair of shoes, as well as a dark mixed suit, which appeared robust and of good quality (Alger) The readers they can see that Dick used his money because he wanted Fosdick to look professional and win the interview. He knew that if Fosdick dressed professionally he would demonstrate that he had respect for himself, the interviewer, and?