Instill Faith Within Us

Since the beginning of time, our elders have showered us with 'rags to riches' stories in hopes that they would instill faith within us that if we were ever to find ourselves in a less than desirable situation, through hard work and perseverance, we have the chance to change our fate. This is the story of a young boy from New York City who did just that. He took what he had, which was virtually nothing, and with his determination and powerfully positive personality, completely turned his life around. Dick used his charismatic disposition, sheer power and a little help from some friends along the way to overcome every challenge that was thrown at him. In turn, he lived the 'rags to riches' tale and achieved his dream and was finally "cut off from the old vagabond life which he hoped never to resume" (Alger, pg. 279).

At the beginning of the novel, Dick lived a simple life as a homeless 'boot-black' or shoe polisher. His mother died when we had young and his father went to sea and never came back. As a result, Dick has had to raise himself since the ripe old age of seven. He woke up early and had to work for his breakfast, as he did every meal. He would take the small amount of change, usually 30 cents or so, to a restaurant where he could get a cheap breakfast, coffee for five cents, and a plate of beefsteak for ten. Although his personality and determination made him very good at his job, he was not very responsible and would spend the rest of the money he made on the theatre or cigars and non-necessities. Even though he wasn't wealthy, Dick was a very noble and honest man. When he saw those who were less fortunate, mostly other shoe shiners who were not as successful, he did anything he could to help them out.

Living under the circumstances he did, Dick was forced to learn the ways of the streets. He may not have been properly educated like other kids his age, but he was incredibly witty and had an intense will to learn. His wit and interpersonal skills allows him to take his poor fortune and turn it into a stainable living. "'Well you might if you tried. I keep my eyes open, -- that's the way I get jobs. You're lazy, that's what's the matter.'" (Alger, pg. 22) Dick knew that make money, he had to be alert, he had to get out onto the streets early, and he didn't have much time to rest. If he acted lazy as the ways he described Johnny Nolan, he wouldn't be able to make a living. He used his vibrant personality to attract customers and make almost three times what some of the other shoe shiners were making. His extravagant way of living (for homeless boys like himself) and his generous nature made it possible for him to help the other, less fortunate children.

Along the way, Dick met many characters who taught him valuable lessons and helped him in his rise to riches. Dick loved to help those less fortunate then himself, and it is this trait that introduced him to Henry Fosdick. He helped feed Henry and gave him a place to stay, in exchange Henry agreed to tutor Dick in all of the subjects he knew, since he had not always been homeless and forced to work the streets in whatever position he could and had once attended school. Henry helped Dick learn that no matter their circumstances, if they tried hard enough, they could change their fate. He also gave Dick a sense of responsibility as he now had someone to look after and provide for, which helped him stay away from the theatre and start saving his money. Before even meeting Henry, Dick ran into Frank Whitney, a young man visiting New York City who Dick agrees to be his city tour guide for the day. He stands by Dick as they go on adventure after adventure and recognizes the potential Dick has within himself and urges him to work towards changing his fate and go to school. Mr. Greyson first instilled faith in Dick when he trusted him to return his change from the shoe shine. Once Dick went back to return it, Mr. Greyson offered to take Dick into his church and bring him to Sunday school to help him further his education.

Another character who helped Dick achieve his goals was Mr. Rockwell. Once Dick jumped overboard the ferry to rescue Rockwell's son who fell into the river, Mr. Rockwell vowed to return the favor and repay him. After giving him a new, dry suit, he arranged for Dick to meet him at his office in the city. During the meeting, Dick was offered a clerk position in a counting house, finally bringing him out of the slums and pointing him towards his life of nobility. Unlike the other characters, Dick was given some not-so-helpful advice from the novels villain, Micky Maguire. Micky tends to patronize Dick about his attempts at bettering his life by saying that he is a 'boot-black' and that he needed to stop pretending to be better than the others. Micky liked to tell Dick that they were 'boot-blacks' for life and there was nothing he could do about it and should just accept his fate, which Dick refuses to do.

Dick insists upon bettering his life. He wishes to no longer be seen as a vagabond, but instead someone of worth, someone of nobility. While he may not have the funds or education of those of nobility, he certainly possesses some of the same qualities and characteristics. His fantastic interpersonal skills make Dick relatable and very easy to talk to and get along with. He also has a strong sense of morality and justice, in which helps him to lead an honorable and honest life. He also has a thirst not only for knowledge, but for success. He works as hard as he can in order to earn as much money as possible. Like many people of nobility, Dick had a