A very similar story concept can be found in the novels of Horatio Alger’s Ragged Dick and Robert Herrick’s The Memoirs of an American Citizen. The two authors both approach the notion of the American Success Myth through a young man with humble origins. This main character is then given multiple opportunities to rise himself out of poverty and achieve success. In addition to being given favorable circumstances, the books’ protagonists demonstrate some identical personality traits that are required in obtaining success. The stories, however, differ in their representation in what success is. Herrick illustrates that there are two types of success, while Alger decides to define it as only one. As a result, Ragged Dick and The Memoirs of an American
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He writes that a person can have both wealth and happiness in success. Unlike Harrington who wanted to be extremely wealthy, the main character, Ragged Dick, just wants to be financially stable where he will consistently have some clothes, food, and shelter. In addition, his morals play a crucial part in achieving success. Throughout the book, Ragged Dick emphasizes that he would never steal. He says that once, “While I was standin’ at the stove warmin’ me, the baker went into a back room, and I felt so hungry I thought I would take just one loaf, and go off with it” (Alger 19). Ragged Dick manages to resist the temptation and is happily rewarded for it. He receives an errand from the baker and is given a pay of baked goods. This instance demonstrates that Ragged Dick is a trust worthy character even in times of desperation and good karma will comes to such …show more content…
Panicking, the father offers a reward for anyone who is willing to save his son, but “in the excitement of the moment, [he] did not hear it at all, nor would it have stimulated the alacrity with which he sprang to the rescue of the little boy” (25). Ragged Dick is selfless here and risks his life to save another. He manages to gain success with this morally good act because he is later repaid by the father with a new suit and a job. Ragged Dick is so elated about his success that he decides to help out his less fortunate friend, Johnny. Mr. Whitney, who originally advises Ragged Dick on how to obtain success, furthers the concept that ethics and success are interrelated with each other. He accomplished his own success in business without having to stoop to making dishonorable dealings. Mr. Whitney provides a strong role model to Ragged Dick by showing that the good nature of a person does not need to be changed in order to achieve success, but habits do. It is illustrated in the advice of “Save your money, my lad, buy books, and determine to be somebody, and you may yet fill an honorable position (22). He is suggesting that Ragged Dick should begin to study and avoid any extravagance. Ragged Dick takes the advice to heart and the combination of his morals with these self-improvements, he accomplishes success. Therefore, the author, Horatio Alger, proves that success is
He writes that a person can have both wealth and happiness in success. Unlike Harrington who wanted to be extremely wealthy, the main character, Ragged Dick, just wants to be financially stable where he will consistently have some clothes, food, and shelter. In addition, his morals play a crucial part in achieving success. Throughout the book, Ragged Dick emphasizes that he would never steal. He says that once, “While I was standin’ at the stove warmin’ me, the baker went into a back room, and I felt so hungry I thought I would take just one loaf, and go off with it” (Alger 19). Ragged Dick manages to resist the temptation and is happily rewarded for it. He receives an errand from the baker and is given a pay of baked goods. This instance demonstrates that Ragged Dick is a trust worthy character even in times of desperation and good karma will comes to such …show more content…
Panicking, the father offers a reward for anyone who is willing to save his son, but “in the excitement of the moment, [he] did not hear it at all, nor would it have stimulated the alacrity with which he sprang to the rescue of the little boy” (25). Ragged Dick is selfless here and risks his life to save another. He manages to gain success with this morally good act because he is later repaid by the father with a new suit and a job. Ragged Dick is so elated about his success that he decides to help out his less fortunate friend, Johnny. Mr. Whitney, who originally advises Ragged Dick on how to obtain success, furthers the concept that ethics and success are interrelated with each other. He accomplished his own success in business without having to stoop to making dishonorable dealings. Mr. Whitney provides a strong role model to Ragged Dick by showing that the good nature of a person does not need to be changed in order to achieve success, but habits do. It is illustrated in the advice of “Save your money, my lad, buy books, and determine to be somebody, and you may yet fill an honorable position (22). He is suggesting that Ragged Dick should begin to study and avoid any extravagance. Ragged Dick takes the advice to heart and the combination of his morals with these self-improvements, he accomplishes success. Therefore, the author, Horatio Alger, proves that success is