This idea becomes interesting when looking at the
fourth chapter, “Dick’s New Suit”, where Ragged Dick receives a new suit and
becomes not so ragged. In the chapter, Dick meets Frank and his uncle, Mr.
Whitney by chance. Seeing as his clothes are falling apart, before Dick shows
Frank the city, the characters give Dick a suit. This suit later proves to be
important in many aspects of the novel, allowing Dick to begin escaping
poverty. The interesting point to be made is that Dick is obviously not rich
when he first receives the suit, but most people automatically take him as a
gentleman. This may be due to the power of clothing in the period, but I
believe this also speaks to Dick’s character, as he has the confidence and
charm to pull off being a gentleman.
Dick’s
suit is later important in getting a proper room. Dick goes to Mott Street, and
while not the classiest neighborhood, which is quite expensive for a boot
black. When he arrives, Mrs. Mooney says she has a room, but that she,” Don’t
know as it would be good enough for you,” (58) to Dick, because he appears to
be a gentleman.
Clothing
is very important throughout the novel, such as in chapter 18 where Dick gives
Fosdick his money to buy new clothes. Fosdick tells Dick that he,” Almost
wanted to stay home from Sunday school,” (84) due to the appearance of his
clothes, and so Dick gives his saved 18.90 to Fosdick to but a new suit and
some new shirts. This is similar to the donation from Mr. Whitney in that he gets
Fosdick new clothes, but also that this gift allows Fosdick to move up because after
this he gets a job.
Perhaps the
point within the novel where the importance of dress is emphasized the most is when
Dick goes to receive Frank’s letter and must again become Ragged Dick. Of
course, Mickey Maguire sees Dick and his apparent loss and makes comment on
this, even though Dick has more money than ever. This importance is marked by
Mickey asking if Dick has,” …given up being a swell.” (114) This gives an idea
of the impression clothing makes on others in the period, and specifically
those of the lower class. Boot blacks depend on clothing as an indicator of
money, and so when one of their own dresses handsomely, there must be
suspicion.
In Ragged
Dick clothes are a symbol of status, but beyond that clothes are only given to "worthy" characters. Nice clothes could be seen as a symbol of status and
goodness.
I think in both Little Women and Ragged Dick, universal themes exist that still apply to modern society. Even today, how you dress and how you treat others are key skills one must possess to succeed in their career path, especially in business and law. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but within the first few seconds of meeting someone they already have made judgements about your class, intelligence, and social status based on how you present yourself. Since only one first impression can be made with a person, it is critical to present yourself in a manner which suits how you would like him or her to remember you.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side of the coin, your good appearance must be followed by kind actions to let the other person’s first judgements be solidified. One can be dressed to the nines, but if their looks aren’t followed by courtesy and respect, credit will be lost. Conversely, one could be in rags but strengthen their image by kind gestures. Ragged Dick has an innate energetic and kind manner, and when ragged is liked by those around him. However, once he receives his suit, he is not only appreciated but respected by others, especially his elders. Though Dick could survive on respect from his fellow bootblacks alone, the respect of those above him is what pushes him to make something of his life later in the novel.
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ReplyDeleteClothing absolutely plays a major role in this first part of Ragged Dick. I agree that the characters automatically form an opinion on others based on their outward appearance. The reason why Mr. Whitney gave Dick the new suit in the first place was that he didn’t want his nephew walking around with someone as “ragged” as Dick. Additionally, when Frank was accused of stealing the woman’s purse in the car, none of the bystanders believed that Frank committed the crime. The narrator emphasizes this by explaining, “Appearances go a great ways, and Frank did not look like a thief” (Ch. 9, Pg. 44). I believe that these patterns are clear in modern society as well. Many people stereotype class and wealth with certain clothing styles and brands. Clothing is often the first characteristic people notice when they meet someone new, and unfortunately this often creates a first impression.
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting point you brought up about Dick’s character also having an influence on people’s impressions of him in his new attire. I had not considered the fact that Dick’s charm and confidence may be necessary to persuade people of class and status. I agree with you that although clothing has a big influence over a first impression, that impression can only be maintained through charming and confident character.
I agree with all of these points because clothing plays a huge role throughout the entire novel. As you said, although they represent wealth, the clothes also symbolize good character. For example, this proves true as Alger continues to emphasize Dick’s worth and “frank, straight-forward manner” (Alger, 5). Since Dick consistently maintains this integrity, Alger rewards his character with new clothes to emphasize the importance of honesty. Additionally, members in this society look upon people wearing these clothes with respect. As mentioned, people treat Dick differently once he obtains a suit instead of rags. For example, when entering Frank’s building in rags, a servant stops to question Dick’s motives. However, when leaving in a suit, Alger explains that “there was no recognition” (Alger, 24). Once Dick changed his appearance to blend in with society, nobody questioned his status or character. However, I had not considered the impact Dick’s new clothes had on the lower class. It’s important to acknowledge Mickey’s degrading attitude toward Dick once he starts wearing suits. It is possible that Mickey looked down upon Dick’s clothes with jealousy because he knew he would never obtain them. Since Mickey proves to be a rude character over the course of the book, he does not receive an opportunity to advance his status. In a way, fancy clothes symbolize both wealth and reveal the true nature of each character. Only those worthy of high status earn the clothes, despite their origins.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that the novel suggests a correlation between clothing and status, especially considering the time period of the novel. Expanding on the idea that only “worthy” characters possess nice clothing, the novel strongly suggests appearance defines a character’s integrity. At the beginning of the novel, it is evident Ragged Dick possesses a strong moral backbone when it comes to honesty (3), but he is also undisciplined, squandering his money on fleeting pleasures. Based on this character assessment, Ragged Dick does not seem worthy of gentlemanly dress because he lacks initiative and the motivation to succeed. As you mentioned, we don’t begin to see Dick’s character change until Mr. Whitney gives Dick a new suit, which is the spark that ignites Dick into action.
ReplyDeleteOne thing you mention that I had not yet considered is the impact of Dick’s gift of a new suit to Fosdick. Considering the impact Dick’s new suit has on his own life in terms of motivating him to become a better person, he decides lift up Fosdick in the same way. Now, the outward appearance of both Dick and Fosdick match their inner principles and refinement, which sets both characters up for success later in life.