Ragged Dick · Chapter
Dick Secures a Tutor explained
Dick returns the change to Mr.
What happens
Dick returns the change to Mr. Greyson, who rewards his honesty by inviting him to Sunday school. Later, Dick meets Henry Fosdick, a poor but educated boy, and offers him lodging in exchange for reading and writing lessons.
Themes in this chapter
Honesty and Moral Integrity
Dick's scrupulous return of the fifteen cents to Mr. Greyson underscores his commitment to honesty, a key moral principle in the story.
Self-Improvement and Education
Dick's desire to learn to read and write, and his arrangement with Fosdick for tutoring, highlight his drive for self-improvement.
Characters to notice
- Ragged Dick
Demonstrates honesty by returning change to Mr. Greyson, and shows generosity and ambition by offering Fosdick lodging for tutoring.
- Mr. Greyson
Commends Dick's honesty and invites him to attend Sunday school at his church.
- Henry Fosdick
A poor, educated boy who lost his father; accepts Dick's offer of lodging in exchange for teaching him to read and write.
Key passages
“What’ll he think of me? I hope he won’t think I’m mean enough to keep the money.”
Dick worries about the gentleman's opinion of him and hopes not to be seen as dishonest.
Reflects Dick's concern for his reputation and moral integrity.
“I want to grow up ’spectable.”
Dick expresses his desire to become a respectable person.
Highlights Dick's ambition for social respectability.
“If you’ll teach me readin’ and writin’ evenin’s, you shall sleep in my room every night.”
Dick offers Fosdick nightly lodging in exchange for tutoring him in reading and writing.
Illustrates Dick's practical approach to self-improvement and generosity.