Ragged Dick

Ragged Dick displays the implicit argument that success is ultimately a combination of both luck and skill or strength of character. In the story, Dick had to work hard and use a great deal of skillful manuevering to be where he was at the time, but ultimately, that work and perserverance alone was not enough to get him where he was. When he was looking for a job,  he was given the opportunity to save a man's child. He did not know however, that the man who owned the child was extremely wealthy and that he would get a great deal in return for his morally expected action. The man then hired him for his morally sound character. While it was important that he had the skills required to do the job successfully, the author points out that it is also important that a person also has luck and is morally strong to be successful. Otherwise, it is suggested, that Dick would not have gotten the job.