A Close Reading of Ragged Dick :: Ragged Dick Essays

A Close interpreting of Ragged Dick There were no houses of good appearance in effect(p) it, buildings being limited mainly to rude temporary huts used by workmen who were employed in improving it. The time leave undoubtedly scrape up when the Park will be surrounded by elegant residences, and canvass favorably in this respect with the most attractive city in the world. But at the time when Frank and Dick visited it, not often could be said in favor of either the Park or its neighborhood. If this is rally Park, said Frank, who naturally felt disappointed, I dont think practically of it. My fathers got a large pasture that is much nicer. Itll look better few time, said Dick. There aint much to see now but rocks. We will take a walk over it if you want to. No, said Frank, Ive seen as much of it as I want to. Besides, I feel tired. (p. 48) In this passage from Ragged Dick, Horatio Alger employs the ongoing construction of Central Park as a metaphor for the transformation of Ragged Dick into the esteemed Richard Hunter, Esquire. The bank clerk informs the reader at the outset of this passage that when Dick and Frank atomic number 18 visiting the Park during its construction, there are no houses of good appearance near it significantly, the buildings that are there are scarcely temporary. Central Park, resembling Ragged Dick, is simply a work-in-progress. Although externally it may appear untrimmed and unpolished, as both the Park and Dick do to Frank, this situation is only transitory. Through diligent and honest work for Dick and workmen for the Park, a variation will be completed, culminating in a respectable and elegant final examination product. The fact that Alger utilizes the word undoubtedly informs the reader that for both Dick and Central Park, self-improvement will assuredly be achieved through demanding effort, and this is designed to set up incentives and hope for the young reader. The passage also illuminates a dichotomy in Di cks and Franks perception of the world.