Ragged Dick

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. During the mid- to late-19th century, many families living in New York City experienced a considerable amount of poverty. In which ways does poverty generally affect households? Consider factors such as education, employment, and social mobility.

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer question invites students to consider the themes of The Rise Of The Self-Made Man and The Importance Of Appearances in the historical context of the novel. Alger’s narrative highlights the effects of structural poverty on children in mid- to late-19th century New York City; however, he frames the discussion of poverty as a situation that a person can rise above, as opposed to a cyclical and permanent system. Alger’s protagonist Dick represents this “Self-Made Man,” in that he is successfully able to resist the temptations of activities stereotyped as impoverished (e.g., gambling, not saving income, etc.) by adopting a strong work ethic (e.g., budgeting money, gaining literacy, etc.). Initially, Dick is lucky since he stumbles into a position of fortune when he is befriended by a wealthier youth and given a new set of clothes; however, Dick uses this situation to catapult himself into a higher social milieu, as opposed to squandering the opportunity. These are habits that, socially and historically, are frequently associated with the concept of “the American Dream.”

• This article from Business Insider discusses the role of photography in uncovering the lives of New York’s impoverished communities in the late 19th century.
• This 2022 article by Elly Meeks focuses on childhood poverty in 19th-century New York and elsewhere.

2. Consider the meaning of the phrase “the American Dream.” How does this phrase link with migration to the US? Is it possible for anyone to achieve “the American Dream?” Why or why not?

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer question invites students to consider the relationship of the theme The Rise of the Self-Made Man in the context of American work ethic and social mobility in the 19th and 20th century. Alger’s novel is set during the Reconstruction Era and early Gilded Age, a period of time in US history of unfettered economic expansion and growth coupled with the desire to amass wealth through the adoption of industrial business. Although the phrase “the American Dream” was not coined until the 20th century, the idea that hard work was the key to one’s success and social mobility was an underlying assumption in American society. Dick embodies such a belief, as he is told and reminded by several characters in the novel that the only factor keeping him from succeeding is himself. As a result, Dick’s progress becomes the quintessential “rags to riches” story that serves as an ideal for young people to adopt an individualistic and capitalistic mind frame for their futures. It is important to note that Dick’s situation, an English-speaking young Caucasian male, differs from many migrant communities who, in their own attempts to achieve the American dream, experience a significant number of barriers. This question connects with the theme of the main Activity.

• This article from Britannica discusses the origins of the term “The American Dream.”
• In this New York Times article, Author Nicholas Kristof explores the impact of Alger’s novel on American society.  

Short Activity

During the 19th century, serials, or weekly publications of a book by chapter, were popular formats for reading novels. Working in small groups, research and select one serial series from a weekly publication during the 19th or 20th century. Summarize the plot to the class and analyze the way that serialization would heighten the interest of the reader.

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Activity invites students to engage with the format of Alger’s initial publication of his novels. Like weekly radio and television shows of the mid-20th century, serial publications during the late 19th and early 20th century were popular forms of entertainment for readers. Authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle all published stories in the serial format.

• The Library of Congress gives more information on the role of serial fiction in Western literature.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Consider the idiom “from rags to riches.” How do you interpret this phrase? What would be an example of a “rags to riches” story?

Teaching Suggestion: This Personal Connection Prompt invites students to consider the themes of The Rise Of The Self-Made Man as well as The Rewards Of Virtue in their own context. The term “rags to riches” is a popular idiom to refer to an individual who is able to propel her/himself from poverty into wealth. Alger’s novel highlights this social trajectory as a result of one’s fortitude and determination as a result of one’s hard work; however, Alger’s protagonist Dick does not abandon or reject his friends as a part of his success. In fact, he frequently supports those in need through monetary donations.

Differentiation Suggestion: Preteach the meaning of the idiom “rags to riches” for English Language Learners by explaining that it describes a person’s journey from poverty to wealth by using “rags” as a symbol of poverty and “riches,” a symbol of wealth.