Ragged Dick · Chapter
XIII: Micky Maguire explained
Dick wakes in his new lodgings, washes, and decides to wear the new clothes Frank gave him instead of his old rags.
What happens
Dick wakes in his new lodgings, washes, and decides to wear the new clothes Frank gave him instead of his old rags. He works as a bootblack, earning sixty cents in an hour and a half, and buys a breakfast and a comb. His new appearance attracts the attention of Micky Maguire, a ruffian bootblack from the Five Points, who resents Dick's 'putting on airs' and approaches him with hostile intent.
Themes in this chapter
Rags to Riches
Dick's decision to wear his new suit and his ambition to save money and live respectably mark the beginning of his upward mobility.
Self-Improvement and Education
Dick's reflections on Frank's advice and his desire to learn and improve himself show his commitment to self-improvement.
Thrift and Financial Prudence
Dick's plan to start a savings account and his careful spending on breakfast and a comb demonstrate his new financial prudence.
Characters to notice
- Ragged Dick
Dick wakes in his new room, washes, and chooses to wear his new suit. He works as a bootblack, earns money, and buys breakfast and a comb. He is determined to live respectably and save money.
- Frank Whitney
Dick reflects on Frank's kindness and advice, which inspires his new ambition to live respectably.
- Micky Maguire
Micky, a ruffian bootblack from the Five Points, notices Dick's new clothes and decides to confront him, viewing Dick's improved appearance as 'putting on airs.'
- Limpy Jim
Limpy Jim is Micky Maguire's friend and accompanies him as they approach Dick.
Key passages
“Blest if I hadn’t forgot where I was... So this is my room, is it? Well, it seems kind of ’spectable to have a room and a bed to sleep in.”
Dick is surprised to wake up in his new room and feels that having a proper room and bed is respectable.
Dick's initial reaction to his new lodgings reflects his growing sense of respectability.
“I’d like to show him I can do something.”
Dick wants to prove to Frank that he can succeed.
Dick's motivation to improve is tied to his gratitude toward Frank.
“He was unwilling to appear in the streets with them.”
Dick felt ashamed to wear his old rags in public.
Dick's new clothes symbolize his changing self-image and aspirations.
“I must try to earn a little more, to pay for my room, and to buy some new clo’es when these is wore out.”
Dick plans to work harder to cover his expenses and replace his clothes when they wear out.
Dick's practical approach to his new life shows his financial prudence.
“We don’t want no gentlemen on our beat. So he’s puttin’ on airs—is he? I’ll give him a lesson.”
Micky Maguire resents Dick's new clothes and intends to teach him a lesson for acting superior.
Micky's jealousy and hostility foreshadow the conflict between him and Dick.