Horatio Alger's novel Ragged Dick illuminates various trends in young adult fiction in the 1800s. I found it interesting how Alger is able to reflect moral trends and the concept of respectability through Ragged Dick's transition from boyhood to adulthood. To a certain extent, I found this book to instill various lessons among its readers. Overall, I think the book was intended to be a model for young boys to aspire to better themselves and mature from boys into "respectable" young men.
The novel focuses on the triumphs of the main character -- "our hero" -- Ragged Dick (Alger 67). Despite Dick's ragged appearance, the audience of the book appears to be more educated boys, since they must know how to read in order to understand the message being conveyed. This novel exemplifies the ideal of becoming a respectable young man, since it follows Ragged Dick's transformation from a boy on the street to a young man working his way up in the world. In fact, when Frank admits to Dick that he must have seen some hard times, Dick replies by informing Frank that while life has been difficult, stealing is "mean and [he] wouldn't do it" (Alger 38). Even though Ragged Dick is homeless and shines shoes for a living, it is evident that he has a good heart and good intentions, which is something readers should value. Mr. Whitney tells Dick something particularly profound when he explains that Dick's "future position depends mainly upon [himself], and that it will be high or low as [he] choose[s] to make it" (Alger 55). In my opinion, this is when the novel shifts and really begins to focus on Ragged Dick's transformation and maturation as a character. From this point forward, Dick recognizes his potential and aims to make a better life for himself, which teaches readers to maximize their potential and always aim high. Not only does he find himself a real place to live, but he opens up a bank account to save his money rather than spending all of it. In addition to bettering himself, he is able to stay true to his values by helping others and being honest and virtuous.
Essentially, Ragged Dick reflects moral trends in the 1800s and the concept of respectability, which is visualized through his transformation as a character. After receiving new clothes and gaining “the appearance of a very respectable, gentlemanly boy,” Ragged Dick seeks to make a better life for himself as he moves from a young boy to a young man (Alger 56). Ragged Dick’s moral compass combined with his determination to take a step upward is intended to be a model for readers, especially middle class boys. Horatio Alger’s Ragged Dick was such a popular novel due to the way that it teaches moral truths through a light, informative story. This probably why it continues to hold popularity today; it reminds readers to value self-improvement while keeping a noble attitude.
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