Success
We all have different definitions of success. Most people allow their definition of "success" to de driven by someone or something else (status quo), for in Ragged Dick by Haratio Alger written in 1868, the protagonist Dick also last known as Richard Hunter looked at what someone else thought of a success and tried to attain it. This book tells about a poor boy struggles to become a success. Although Haratio Alger emphasizes the importance of pluck, luck and virtue, in attaining success, it is clear that success also depends on who you know, how you look, and what you are willing to change.Even though Fosdick had courage, what really mattered is how and who got him there. For with connections, Fosdick would not be able to get an honorable job. "That will be sufficient," said the shop-keeper, who knew Mr. Greyson's high character and position. "He could have no better recommendation. You may come to the store to-morrow morning at half past seven o'clock. (Alger 162)" Another boy who had better a "gentleman" as a father could have gotten the job but Mr. Greyson happened to shown up, for he was recognize as an aristocratic person. As Alger pointed out, "'I've got the place," said Fosdick, in accents of satisfaction; "but it was onl
With respectable appearances can mean being treated respectable and being respectable is a part of success for with bad appearance achieving success would be very difficult. Alger stated, "Dick was well dressed, so that the other did not regard it as at all improbable that he might possess that sum. He was prepared, however, to let him have it for less, if necessary (Alger 80)."Being well dress others treated Dick better. For example, appearance had helped Frank in a situation which he was accused a thief. For they knew he could not have token the wallet. "Meanwhile the passengers rather sided with the boys. Appearances go a great ways, and Frank did not look like a thief (Alger 94)"As Alger stated that appearances go a great ways meaning with you can tell a lot by looking at appearances. People either look at you in a good way or a bad way, but in rags Dick was accused of being a thief but he was not. You cannot tell that by looking at anyone they are this and that, but Haratio is stating different for he says your looks can determine what kind of person you are. "I felt as if life was sort of tough, and I'd like it if some rich man would adopt me ...without my havin' to look so sharp after it. (Alger 99)"Dick feels that if he was born into a rich family he would not have worry about his appearances as much. If Dick was already rich and successful he did not have to worry to look nice for he had everything he needed. Since Dick is not successful, he focus a lot on his appearance in order to feel better about himself and for other to see that he is going up. "Perhaps it was the new clothes he wore, which made him feel a little more aristocratic (Alger 113)"Appearance affected Dick, for with nice looking clothes he felt more at his best. He felt a little more going up in success." In his ordinary dress, Dick would have been excluded, but now he had the appearance of a very respectable, gentlemanly boy, whose presence would not discredit any establishment. (Alger 113)" If he was dress in his rags, he would be excluded to be treated the same way as someone that had better appearance. "Judging from Dick's appearance, Mr
Some common words found in the essay are:
Ragged Dick, Greyson Fosdick, Appearances Frank, Haratio Alger, Judging Dick's, Frank Dick, I'd Alger, Dick Alger, Richard Hunter, , achieve success, honorable job, alger stated, ragged dick, connections fosdick, chance getting, achieving success, desired identity, job parents, respectable success,
Approximate Word count = 1436
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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