Ragged Dick · Chapter
XIX: Fosdick Changes His Business explained
Fosdick, discouraged by his bootblacking trade, seeks a store job.
What happens
Fosdick, discouraged by his bootblacking trade, seeks a store job. After many rejections, he applies at a hat and cap store, facing competition from Roswell Crawford and others. Thanks to a timely recommendation from Mr. Greyson, he secures the position, while Dick supports him and vows to follow suit once his education improves.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Improvement and Education
Fosdick's determination to leave bootblacking for a store job reflects his drive for self-betterment, and Dick's plan to follow suit after further education underscores the theme.
Friendship and Mentorship
Dick's unwavering support and Mr. Greyson's timely recommendation highlight the importance of friendship and mentorship in overcoming obstacles.
Social Class and Respectability
Roswell Crawford's disdain for bootblacks and the stigma of a Mott Street address illustrate the class prejudices of the era.
Characters to notice
- Ragged Dick
Accompanies Fosdick to the job application, uses drollery to keep up Fosdick's spirits, and cleverly deflects Roswell Crawford's insults.
- Henry Fosdick
Grows discouraged after fifty failed job applications, but finally secures a position at a hat and cap store with Mr. Greyson's recommendation.
- Roswell Crawford
A supercilious applicant who mocks Dick as a bootblack and feels humiliated when Fosdick gets the job over him.
- Mr. Greyson
Enters the store opportunely and vouches for Fosdick as a member of his Sunday-school class, securing him the position.
- Mr. Henderson
The shopkeeper who interviews applicants and hires Fosdick after hearing Mr. Greyson's recommendation.
Key passages
“Fosdick did not venture to wear his new clothes while engaged in his business. This he felt would have been wasteful extravagance.”
Fosdick avoided wearing his new clothes while working, considering it an unnecessary expense.
Highlights Fosdick's thrift and practical mindset.
“Keep a stiff upper lip," said Dick. "By the time you get to be a gray-headed veteran, you may get a chance to run errands for some big firm on the Bowery, which is a very cheerin' reflection."”
Dick encouraged Fosdick with humor, joking that he might finally get a job when he's old and gray.
Shows Dick's role as a morale booster through drollery.
“I've seen you before," said one of the boys... "Oh, have you?" said Dick, whirling round; "then p'r'aps you'd like to see me behind."”
When a boy claimed to have seen Dick before, Dick retorted with a pun suggesting the boy might want to see his backside.
Illustrates Dick's quick wit and defiance of social snobbery.
“He's a bootblack in a store! That would be a good joke.”
Roswell sneered that a bootblack working in a store was laughable.
Reflects class prejudice and the perceived low status of bootblacks.
“I don't know as you'll be willin' to room with a bootblack," he said, to Henry, "now you're goin' into business."”
Dick joked that Fosdick might not want to share a room with a bootblack now that he had a store job.
Demonstrates the enduring bond between the two friends despite their different paths.
