Ragged
Dick was an intriguing look into the life of an ideal boy in the 1860s. One
question I had throughout the duration of the novel that we briefly addressed
in class was whether or not as readers we are meant to perceive Ragged Dick as
a hero. On numerous occasions, Horatio Alger himself refers to Ragged Dick as the
hero, breaking into the second person to address the reader directly to
reference the protagonist as “our hero.”
Throughout
the novel, I kept asking myself whether Ragged Dick’s actions could be
considered “heroic” in the traditional sense. There are certainly some instances
of heroism on the protagonist’s part: his giving some of his savings away to
his friend Tom, whose mother was ill and unsure whether the family would be
able to make that month’s rent, for example. But is his mission of
self-improvement and newfound ambition themselves acts of heroism? I, and I
think Alger, believe that they are.
Ragged Dick acts a moral code for its
readers, specifically for young boys making the transition from boyhood to
manhood. A common theme throughout the novel, Ragged Dick constantly reiterates
his need to pursue an education, quit gambling, quit drinking, save money, and
obtain a job, earning himself a respectable place in New York society. The tone
with which Alger approaches Ragged Dick indicates his affection for, or belief
in the goodness of, his protagonist. For example, in the first introduction of
the character, Alger describes Ragged Dick as having “a faint, straightforward
manner that made him a favorite” (5). Later in the story, when Ragged Dick gives
his money to Fosdick to finance his new suit and secure a new job in business,
Alger describes Ragged Dick as “determined that Fosdick should have a good serviceable
suit, even if it took all the money they had” (120).
The careful,
affectionate language Alger uses to describe his main character is evidence that
we are meant to perceive Ragged Dick’s entire journey of self-discovery and
improvement as an act of heroism in and of itself. I agree with the author; Ragged
Dick, in his own way, is a hero both unto himself and the people around him. Through
his own ambition and determinedness, he is able to create something significant
out of nothing, and though his steps to becoming “’spectable” may not seem
heroic in the classic sense, I think his journey is heroic in its own right
because he stays true to his morals and values and does what he believes is
right in order to accomplish a goal.
Alger, Horatio Jr. Ragged Dick. New York: Penguin Group, 1990. Print.
Alger, Horatio Jr. Ragged Dick. New York: Penguin Group, 1990. Print.
While reading the novel, I also noticed how often Horatio Alger referred to Dick as the “hero” of the story. This is interesting because I do not think he is a hero for his actions, but rather it is his personality and characteristics that are emphasized. Like you stated, it is more about Dick’s journey and personal ambition. Even when Dick does act heroically, it is not the actions themselves that make him a hero.
ReplyDeleteOne of the greatest examples is towards the end of the story, when he saves the little boy who fell off the ferry from drowning. In this heroic act, Alger focuses on Dick’s thoughts more than the action itself. “He no sooner saw the boy fall than he resolved to rescue him. His determination was formed before he heard the liberal offer made by the boy’s father” (127). While the act was undoubtably heroic, it was Dick’s lack of awareness for the financial reward that was the most admirable. There are other examples such as when Dick and Fosdick caught Jim Travis with stealing Dick’s bank-book. While it was necessary for Dick to reclaim what was his, “he could not help feeling sorry that he had been instrumental in causing his arrest” (115). Again, though the action itself can be seen as heroic, Alger gets the reader to consider Dick’s thoughts about what takes place. In this way, I think Dick can be seen as a hero because of his compassionate and generous personality.
I agree with both of you that even though Ragged Dick comes from a meager lifestyle, he possesses morals and characteristics that make him a hero. At several points throughout the story, Alger playfully calls Dick “our hero” (Alger 69). In doing so, the reader reflects on heroic traits he exemplifies, even if he doesn’t fit the typical mold. I think Alger intends to show that heroes need not be big, strong, and powerful, setting out to save anyone who needs help. Instead, one’s morals can make them heroic, no matter what background they come from.
ReplyDeleteA good example of Dick demonstrating heroism is when he willingly gives Tom his weekly savings so that he can help his mother, finding that having money “had never given him so much satisfaction as when it enabled him to help Tom Wilkinson in his trouble” (Alger 105). Dick’s generous nature even when he does not have much himself is heroic, and mimics what Frank’s uncle (who he sees as a hero figure) did for him. Being given 5 dollars put Dick on a path to change his life, so I think Dick’s acts of heroism tend to follow the actions of Mr. Whitney, who may one day the change in Dick and be proud to have played a role in it.
In regards to this post, I believe the definition of a hero is in the eyes of the beholder, and one does not necessarily have to intend to be a hero to be a hero. Personally, I view Ragged Dick as a hero, and at the very least the hero of this story. His moral code is very high, and there are multiple occasions where he helps others without wanting anything in return. For example, when he meets Johnny Nolan in the first chapter, he proceeds to offer up his earnings to purchase Johnny some breakfast, stating "Come in, then. Here's room for you" (12). There are further moments where he helps a man who is scammed out of 50 dollars, and also willingly gives Frank a tour without looking for any payment. Those he helps will likely view him as a hero of sorts, and he has built up a persona of being honest and noble.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough, I wouldn't doubt if Dick didn't view himself as a hero. To him, he would likely view it as something a "'spectable" man would do, without any belief that the help he provided was honorable or noble. He has built himself to be confident, but not to the point of arrogance. A modern day of example, while it can be argued is stretching the comparison, is Deadpool. Deadpool refuses to be acknowledged as a hero, and thus refuses to join the X-Men because of this. There is a heavy debate on whether Deadpool can be considered a hero, but with him having more questionable morals than Ragged Dick and some considering Deadpool a hero, I think it is fair that Ragged Dick can be considered a hero.
I agree with the points made by this post and believe that Dick acts as a role-model hero to children of all economics backgrounds. Dick is definitely a hero in the traditional sense, as seen by the way he treats his fellow boot-blacks along with the instances when he retrieves the country-boy’s stolen money and Mr. Greyson in the beginning of the story. The ability to stand up for others, display honesty and treat fellow men with respect are universal skills that are seen with great honor. These skills are not specific to any economic class or background, but rather are seen as traits that should be seen in all people.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to these heroic actions, Dick’s smaller, more self-oriented actions should also reach out to all young boys as inspiring traits of heroism. Dick is self-sufficient; he works for what he has. He never cheats or steals from anyone. Furthermore, Dick is aware of his shortcomings (such as his gambling and lack of education). Dick does not allow his past (the death of his mother and grandparents and presumed death of his father) or his shortcomings to defeat him. He continues to work honestly and, when given the chance in the form of a donation from Mr. Whitney, Dick quits gambling and pursues an education to further his development. Dick remains true to himself and prepares readily for his future. These practices are fundamental to all children and all adults, making Dick a heroic inspiration for them.
I couldn't agree more with what everyone has to say, and I think that's because we ourselves understand that heroes don't have to be the people wearing the capes, but the people that help guide us to "safe" living in other ways. That comes with a sense of maturity that Dick has, and he might be humble and not admit to being a hero, but he is someone with the true characteristics of heroic nature. If you look at it in the sense of what his power and kryptonite are it proves him a hero. In my eyes, Dick's "super powers" consist of compassion and honesty. He willingly shares his earnings with those less fortunate or even equally fortunate as him because he sympathizes and understands how hard things can get. His kryptonites are more concrete with gambling and the struggle to avoid cheating; however he does well with not cheating anymore. After one run down the wrong path, Dick learned his lesson and vowed to never cheat again. With all impulses, it's a learning experience and I think because Dick has learned how to control some and present his strong suits to the world by helping others that is what makes him a hero.
ReplyDeleteI share the sentiment with Kathleen, Alger, and the other comments, that Dick is indeed the hero of this story, and a hero in life. For me personally I, at first, doubted Dick and his intentions. However, I really took a turn on him as a character when he ran into the man that had swindled the countryman out of his money, got the money back, and returned it to it's original owner. In previous cases of heroism in the book, Dick merely made the heroic choice from the ones presented to him. The countryman was the first time that Dick went out of his way in order to act as a hero. He didn't do so in hopes of a reward, or even to impress his new friend Frank, rather he did merely because it was the right thing to do. From this point forward I couldn't help to view him as a true hero. The one thing I disagree with my fellow classmates about is the idea that Dick isn't a "hero in a traditional sense." I don't believe a hero has to be anything outstanding. A hero can be anyone with truly good intentions who acts accordingly.
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