Ragged Dick · Chapter
II: Johnny Nolan explained
After finishing his morning work, Dick treats his friend Johnny Nolan to breakfast and contrasts their work ethics.
What happens
After finishing his morning work, Dick treats his friend Johnny Nolan to breakfast and contrasts their work ethics. Johnny reveals he ran away from a farm job and fears the man who placed him there. Dick reflects on Johnny's lack of ambition and later accepts a two-dollar bill from a customer, which turns out to be counterfeit.
Themes in this chapter
Urban Poverty and Survival
Johnny's homelessness, hunger, and fear of authority figures illustrate the precarious existence of street children.
Individual Agency and Ambition
Dick contrasts his own energetic pursuit of work with Johnny's laziness, emphasizing the role of personal effort in escaping poverty.
Friendship and Mentorship
Dick's repeated acts of kindness toward Johnny, including buying him breakfast, show a supportive bond between the two boys.
Characters to notice
- Ragged Dick
Shows generosity by treating Johnny to breakfast and reflects on the value of ambition and hard work.
- Johnny Nolan
A lazy bootblack who ran away from a farm job and now lives precariously on the streets, fearing the man who placed him.
- Mr. Greyson
Mentioned as a customer whose boots Dick polished earlier.
- Mr. Nolan
Johnny's father, a confirmed drunkard who once threw a flatiron at Johnny, causing him to flee.
Key passages
“I keep my eyes open—that’s the way I get jobs. You’re lazy, that’s what’s the matter.”
Dick tells Johnny that being alert and active is how he finds work, and accuses Johnny of being lazy.
Highlights Dick's work ethic and the contrast between the two boys.
“I had to get up at five to take care of the cows. I like New York best.”
Johnny explains he ran away from a farm job because he disliked the early hours and prefers the freedom of city life.
Reveals Johnny's preference for independence over comfort.
“I haven't got any change, but here's a bill you may run somewhere and get changed. I'll pay you five cents extra for your trouble.”
A customer gives Dick a two-dollar bill to get change, offering a small tip for the errand.
Sets up the counterfeit bill incident that ends the chapter.