Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger, Jr.
Ragged Dick follows the story of a young boy who demonstrates remarkable bravery when he saves a drowning child, an act that not only earns him the admiration of those around him but also attracts the attention of a newspaper reporter, ultimately changing the course of his life. This tale of heroism highlights themes of courage, redemption, and the impact of a single moment on one's future.
By Horatio Alger, Jr. · First published 1868 · Genre: Bildungsroman, Realism, Adventure · 27 chapters · 61,818 words
First lines
"Wake up there, youngster," said a rough voice.
Ragged Dick opened his eyes slowly, and stared stupidly in the face of the speaker, but did not offer to get up.
What this Textopian page supports
Ragged Dick is listed on Textopian as a novel by Horatio Alger, Jr., dated 1868 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Horatio Alger, Jr.
- Date: 1868 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Bildungsroman, Realism, Adventure, Social Commentary, Young Adult
- Length: 61,818 words
- Structure: 27 chapters, 1,909 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger, Jr.
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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Genres
- Bildungsroman — The story follows the growth and development of the protagonist, Dick, from a poor street boy to a successful young man.
- Realism — The narrative depicts the everyday life and struggles of lower-class individuals in urban America during the 19th century.
- Adventure — The plot includes various escapades and challenges faced by Dick as he navigates his environment.
- Social Commentary — The book addresses themes of poverty, class mobility, and the American Dream.
Tags
Coming-of-Age · Social Class · Poverty · Hard Work · Self-Reliance · Entrepreneurship · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Young Adult Fiction · Realism · Class Struggle · Rags-to-Riches
Contents
- Ragged Dick is Introduced to the Reader
- Johnny Nolan
- Dick Makes a Proposition
- Dick's New Suit
- Chatham Street and Broadway
- Up Broadway to Madison Square
- The Pocketbook
- Dick's Early History
- A Scene in a Third Avenue Car
- Introduces a Victim of Misplaced Confidence
- Dick as a Detective
- Dick Hires a Room on Mott Street
- Micky Maguire
- A Battle and a Victory
- Dick Secures a Tutor
- The First Lesson
- Dick's First Appearance in Society
- Micky Maguire's Second Defeat
- Fosdick Changes his Business
- Nine Months Later
- Dick Loses his Bankbook
- Tracking the Thief
- Travis is Arrested
- Dick Receives a Letter
- Dick Writes his First Letter
- An Exciting Adventure
- Conclusion