In Horatio Alger, Jr's Ragged Dick, the use of positivity helps illuminate the true spirit of Dick Hunter. Despite the fact that Dick is a poor kid living day to day on the streets of New York, his positive attitude helps him stay motivated to become a better, more '''spectable" man. Throughout the novel, we, the readers, are introduced to Dick as being "above doing anything mean or dishonorable" (Alger, 7). With his moral code serving as a compass, it is proven that Dick is indeed "straight-forward, manly and self-reliant" (Alger, 7), just as a "'spectable" man should be.
Through our reading of American Manhood by Rotundo, we have learned that young men in the late 19th century have an important role of growing and learning to be a respectable man with an education and a job. During this time, the meaning of respectable is characterized by the progression of rank through a stable job and control over one's life. This relates to Ragged Dick because Dick is going through the age in which, if he were born into a wealthier situation, he would be expected to learn the ropes of being a respectable and stable working and family man.
However, one of the biggest challenges to becoming a respectable, self-sufficient man is the threat of temptation and loneliness, according to Rotundo. Despite many of Dick's wealthier peers falling prey to the feeling of being alone, he has mastered the art of being self-sufficient. Dick handles all of his own business; he is in charge of his money, though he chooses to spend it in a less respectable way, he has a strong work ethic that allows him to make a good sum of money during the day, and he is completely self-reliant. Even though many who are in Dick's financial situation turn to petty theft and con art, Dick has a strong moral compass that does not allow him to stoop to such a level. On the other hand, an interesting opposition to his moral code is that his life would become easier, and possibly more financially stable, if he succumbed to the life of stealing. However, the main focus of Dick's life near the end of Chapter 14 is to become a respectable man. Dick is aware that in order to do this, he cannot break his own moral code, for he would not respect himself. In this sense, if Dick does not respect himself, who would respect him? Surely no respectable, educated, wealthy, office employee would.
Dick’s evolution as a “’spectable” man throughout Alger’s Ragged Dick provides clear commentary on the importance of education, morality and hard work. Interestingly, towards the novel’s end, Alger subtly introduces the role religion plays in developing a respectable gentleman. Dick begins as being rather nonreligious. His illiteracy prevents him from reading the Bible, but at one point he mentions how it seems like an interesting book. Religion did not receive much more attention until Fosdick recites a prayer in front of Dick. The two boys then discuss the meaning of prayer, and Dick “had taken an important step toward securing that genuine respectability which he was ambitious to attain” (75). Alger implies that to achieve “’spectable” status, Dick and other young men must develop their religious identities. Religion also eventually helps Fosdick to secure his new career. Dick and Fosdick attend a Sunday service with Mr. Greyson and receive Sunday school lessons, as well. Soon after, many young men, including Fosdick, apply for a job in a hat and cap store. As the boss interviews Fosdick, Mr. Greyson coincidentally enters and speaks on his behalf, stating, “‘...This is a member of my Sunday-school class, of whose good qualities and good abilities I can speak confidently’” (90). Fosdick receives the job. Despite Fosdick and Dick knowing Mr. Greyson before any Sunday school classes, it was their religious connection that benefitted Fosdick. The positive consequences following Fosdick and Dick’s religious development suggest that religion, specifically Christianity, not only increases respectability, but improves chances of success.
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