Ragged Dick By Horatio Alger: Chapter Summary

Ragged Dick Summary and Response In chapters XXVI and XXVII of the novel “Ragged Dick,” Horatio Alger describes how the a brave heart of a young man named Richard Hunter, got him a good paying job and opened new opportunities for his future. Richard Hunter, also known as Dick, and his roommate Henry Fosdick, one day go on an excursion in a ferry boat to Brooklyn to look for new job opportunities. Once on the ferry, Dick witnessed a six year old boy fall from the ferry into the water. Then with immense eagerness, Dick dove into the water to save the child. As Dick grabbed on hold to the boy, he found himself relived when he saw a row boat approach. When they finally got the wharf, Dick was thanked by the boy’s father who quickly planned for him to be taken to a friend’s house in order to
get out of the dripping clothes.
Soon after Dick was put to bed, a servant came to him with new clothes and a letter from James Rockwell; the little boy’s father. Dick reads the letter and finds out that Rockwell ironically owns a counting room and wants Dick to give him a call the next day. As the next morning approaches, Dick encounters himself with Mr. Rockwell at the counting room. As they converse, Mr. Rockwell offers Dick a job in the counting room with salary of ten dollars a week. Overjoyed with the situation, Dick accepts the offer and goes back home to reveal the news to his roommate Henry. As Dick and Henry discuss the situation, they think about looking for a better place to live. Dick also thinks about quitting his old and giving his old position to someone who can really use a job. As the story concludes, Dick introduces himself as "Richard Hunter," rather than "Dick.” Henry adds, “A young
gentleman on the way to fame and fortune.” Horatio Alger starts off Chapter XXVI by describing the goals and hopes that Dick wants for his future. Now that Dick has strengthened his education and manners, he seeks to find a job preferably in a counting room. This shows that Dick is a determined young man who has his mindset on the future. When the boy initially falls in the water and the father exclaims that he will award anyone who save his child, Horatio states, “His determination was formed before he heard the liberal offer made by the boys offer.” In making this comment, Horatio shows how Dick’s willingness to put himself in danger is worth saving a little boys life, rather than seeing him drown. As the novel goes on, Dick is recompensed with new clothes and shelter. In Chapter XXVII, Dick’s kindness shows when he is speaking to himself and state, “…but there wasn’t no ‘casion for his givin’ me these clothes. My lucky stars are shinin’ pretty bright now.” Horatio points out that Dick is thankful for what he has received. As Horatio continues on with the story, the assumption that Dick’s luck is growing is shown. When Mr. Rockwell gives Dick the job as a clerk, Dick’s sense of happiness is revealed. Horatio states that Dick’s hard work after not knowing how to read or write a year before had finally paid off. Dick’s gratitude is also revealed when he thinks about his dear friend Fosdick and plans to help him financially. As the novel concludes Horatio’s shows the feelings of Dick and Henry throughout his text when they both rejoice on their success. Horatio’s form of revealing the characters feelings is great throughout these two chapters. Moreover, the moral of looking forward to your goals and dreams is greatly shown through this novel.