Diligent Dick by Madeline Leslie
The story follows Richard Monroe Stuart, affectionately known as Dick, a diligent and enterprising twelve-year-old boy living in Annesley. Dick is the eldest son of a minister and takes on responsibilities to help his family, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a desire to contribute financially. He approaches Mr. Jones, the chairman of a church committee, to supply evergreens for Christmas decorations, showcasing his initiative and business acumen. Throughout the narrative, Dick's character is highlighted by his honesty, industrious nature, and commitment to his family and faith. He faces challenges, such as disobeying his mother by going barefoot, which leads to an injury. This incident becomes a lesson in obedience and the consequences of actions, reinforcing his moral development. Dick's adventures include managing to plough the family garden with a horse, proving his capability and determination. His journey to buy a cow in Maine further illustrates his resourcefulness and ability to navigate the world independently, despite his young age. The story emphasizes themes of responsibility, integrity, and the importance of faith and family. Dick's interactions with various characters, including his supportive parents, a strict but fair teacher, and kind strangers, contribute to his growth and understanding of the world. His experiences reflect the values of hard work, honesty, and reliance on divine guidance, shaping him into a promising young individual with a bright future.
By Madeline Leslie · First published 1871 · Genre: Children's Literature, Religious Fiction, Didactic Fiction · 10 chapters · 13,402 words
First lines
MR. JONES sat in his office on Pearl Street one of the hottest afternoons in August, eighteen hundred and fifty-eight. His linen coat was thrown on the back of his chair, his vest was loosened from top to bottom, a pitcher of iced water stood convenient to his hand; but he puffed and panted continually.
"This is terrible! " he said to Mr. Follinsby a gentlemen sitting opposite, trying to lose the recollection of his discomfort in the columns of the newspaper, "Terrible! Thermometer ninety-eight in the shade. I pity the horses-"
What this Textopian page supports
Diligent Dick is listed on Textopian as a novella by Madeline Leslie, dated 1871 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Madeline Leslie
- Date: 1871 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Religious Fiction, Didactic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Bildungsroman
- Length: 13,402 words
- Structure: 10 chapters, 376 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Diligent Dick by Madeline Leslie
- 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
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative centers on a young boy facing everyday challenges and learning moral lessons, making it highly appealing to a young audience.
- Religious Fiction — The story is permeated with Christian morals, prayers, and reflections on divine guidance, which are integral to the plot and character development.
- Didactic Fiction — The work is intentionally structured to teach lessons about discipline, industriousness, and moral responsibility.
- Historical Fiction — Set in the mid-19th century with period-specific details and societal norms, the book reflects its historical context.
Tags
fiction · novel · character study · drama · comedy · work ethic · determination · coming-of-age · social commentary · motivation · ambition · transformation
Contents
- Visit to Mr. Jones
- Dick at Home
- Dick at School
- Dick in Trouble
- Dick's Punishment
- Dick's Adventure
- Dick's Story
- Dick Taming the Horse
- Dick and the Deacon
- Dick's Visit to Maine