Through the didactic 19th century literature we have read so far, boys and girls play very different roles. When we think about Gerty, Ellen, and Sybil, we think about very emotional girls being taught what to do, how to dress, and how to act. In Ragged Dick, the first time we see didactic literature for little boys, we see quite opposite roles. Dick is ragged, he is careless, and he is just living life to the fullest. If Ellen had to spend a night in Dick’s shoes she would probably have a heart attack.
When we look at the previous stories we have read about girls in society, we can recall how much religion was stressed and the importance of a roll model/parent growing up. Dick has heard of The Bible, but he has not read it yet. Dick is trying to trust in himself to live day by day by making just enough money to eat and a little extra to gamble, smoke, or go to a show. When Frank asked Dick if he ever read The Bible, Dick replied, “No, I’ve heard it’s a good look, but I never read one. I aint much on reading. It makes my head ache.”
I also realized that Alger is trying to enforce the rags to riches story. Alger is describing the “American Dream” through Dick. Ragged Dick was written in the mid 19th century, a time where the middle class was the minority and there was a large separation between the upper and lower classes in society. Through Dick, Alger shows that through honesty, hard work, and ambition, one may achieve the “American Dream,” especially in the city of opportunity along with the luck Dick ran into.
I love how you brought into perspective if Ellen had to spend a night in Dick's shoes. Not only would she have a heart attack, she wouldn't make it through the night. I feel like Dick is the antithesis of Ellen. However, I do think that Dick and Capitola would be great friends because I think that they both have a certain edge to them. Also, as you mentioned, Dick had heard of the Bible but hadn't read it. If Ellen had interacted with Dick, they wouldn't have any common ground!
ReplyDeleteI laughed when you put in the part about Ellen. I really could not stand her for the fact that she was so high maintenance. I really liked how Dick was happy with where he was in his life and the money that he was able to make. It was so obvious to see different messages that were being taught to little girls and little boys.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Algers intent to show that through hard work and honesty the very worst off can come to live "the American dream." I think this story was not only to highlight the qualities a "good" boy should possess, but to also give hope to the people who probably had little to begin with.
ReplyDeletei agree with what you said about the difference between girls what we have seen in the 19th century and the guys that we have just been introduced. The girls are seen as more emotiomal while dick is a careless human being that doesnt look up to alot. These roles are completely visible and show many differences.
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