Ragged Dick essays

Ragged Dick essays In the book Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger there are three main necessities for success: luck, pluck, and decency. In todays world you can also add an education in your profession and a grasp of technology. In the story there are many points in which these qualities are exhibited. One of Horatio Algers points of what is essential to flourish in life is luck. In the story Ragged Dick received a tip after he was wrongfully accused of trying to get change from a counterfeit bill. His patron said to him, I must pay you something extra for your trouble. Heres fifty cents. (53/54). After showing a non-resident around town for a few hours, Dick unexpectedly received a tip for his efforts. This was very lucky for him since earlier that day he had obtained a suit, worn but newer than his own, from the same people. Here is an excerpt from their conversation I dont like to take it... Perhaps not, said Mr. Whitney, but I give it to you because I remember my own friendless youth.(111). Dick didnt always unexpectedly receive rewards. Sometimes he did something that should be rewarded, such as when he saved the boy from the river and got a new suit. The father of the boy left a note near Dick, and in it, it stated, Please accept this outfit as the first installment of a debt I can never repay.(211). All through the story are more instances in which show dick as being a lucky guy. An additional quality of a person on their way to triumphing the business world is pluck. Successful people often get an early start on the day. Ragged Dick is also a person who likes to get a punctual start on his day. What time is it? asked Dick. Seven oclock.... I oughterve been up an hour ago. (39). Along with pluck comes determination, and Dick shows this through his willingness to le...