Ragged Dick

Through the character of Ragged Dick, Horatio Alger demonstrates the rise of the self-made man. The ability to rise from rags-to-riches, from humble beginnings to prosperity, was a popular concept in American culture long before Alger’s career as an author. The American dream of self-invention was based on the belief in the possibility of social mobility, the ability to improve one’s social status in a structurally classless society. In Alger’s novel, Mr. Whitney affirms this belief by telling Dick: “You know in this free country poverty in early life is no bar to a man’s advancement” (108). Many examples of this optimistic philosophy inspire Dick. Mr. Whitney describes his beginnings as a poor apprentice and his affluence after inventing a machine. Dick’s friend, Frank, tells him the amazing story of Dick Whittington, a poor boy who became Lord Mayor of London. Frank also informs Dick that A. T. Stewart, owner of the largest store on Broadway in New York City, began as a teacher, then started in business in a small way, “and worked his way up by degrees” (88). A kindly policeman encourages Dick by pointing out a well-dressed gentleman and revealing that the man had started as a newsboy and was now a prosperous bookstore owner.