# Dick Hires a Room on Mott Street explained — Ragged Dick

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

## What happens

After a satisfying supper at Lovejoy's Hotel, Dick decides to turn over a new leaf and rent a room instead of sleeping in boxes or wagons. He secures a small, shabby room from Mrs. Mooney on Mott Street for seventy-five cents a week, paying in advance. This marks his first step toward respectability and stability.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Improvement and Education

Dick resolves to save money and take the first step toward respectability by renting a room, showing his commitment to self-improvement.

### Thrift and Financial Prudence

Dick negotiates the rent down to seventy-five cents and pays in advance, demonstrating careful money management.

### Social Class and Respectability

Dick's new clothes allow him to dine at a more respectable restaurant and are a factor in his decision to seek a proper room, highlighting the link between appearance and social standing.

## Character check-ins

### Ragged Dick

Dick hires his first room, pays in advance, and begins his journey toward respectability.

### Mrs. Mooney

The landlady of the Mott Street lodging-house; she rents Dick a small third-story room.

### Bridget

The slatternly servant who opens the door for Dick and is teased by him.

### Johnny Nolan

Mentioned by Dick as a friend who would be surprised to learn Dick has a room of his own.

## Key lines

> He meant to save his money for some useful purpose—to aid his advancement in the world.

He intended to use his savings to improve his position in life.

_Dick's determination to better himself is a key moment in his character development._

> This would be the first step towards respectability, and Dick determined to take it.

Renting a room was the beginning of his journey to becoming a respectable person, and he was committed to it.

_Highlights the theme of social class and respectability._

> For seven nights he was sure of a shelter and a bed to sleep in. The thought was a pleasant one to our young vagrant, who hitherto had seldom known when he rose in the morning where he should find a resting-place at night.

Having a guaranteed place to sleep for a whole week was a comforting change for Dick, who previously never knew where he would end up each night.

_Emphasizes the stability and security Dick gains by renting a room._

## Links

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