# II: Johnny Nolan explained — Ragged Dick

> Chapter companion for Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger Jr..

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters/ii-johnny-nolan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ragged_dick_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ragged_dick_se/chapters