Ragged Dick 12-27

This section of Ragged Dick focuses on his gradual rise in society into a “’spectable” man. He starts as a boot-black with only five dollars, which he decides to invest in the bank. He saves over $100 in nine months, learns to read and write, and attends church. He ends up getting “a situation” as a clerk in a counting-room earning ten dollars a week! Dick’s story represents the American Dream, and that anything is possible. A poor boy with nothing was able to make his way up in society with hard work, good morals, and kindness. Some people may questions this, and say that this is not possible. Some say that the American Dream is not a reality. There is too much corruption in the world for this to happen. Dick’s story cannot be real. I disagree with these statements. I believe that Dick’s story is based off the lives of many young boys in similar situations. Good deeds and kindness can go a long way in life, which Dick shows when he risks his own life to save the little boy. Ragged Dick also contains this message, and encourages people to be kind, not to cheat or steal, and to help the others around you.

Another interesting occurrence in this section of Ragged Dick is Dick’s budding friendship with Henry Fosdick. It starts off with them helping each other out; Dick gives Fosdick a place to live and Fosdick teaches Dick to read and write. He ends up teaching Dick all he knows. They grow to care about each other, and help each other out of bad situations. Dick helps Fosdick get a job, and they are very supportive of each other’s hard work. They develop a true friendship. I think this is really important and says a lot about their character.