Problem:
Ragged Dick has many admirable qualities that contribute to his "rise." Yet key changes that occur in his life are specifically due the patronage of a generous man.
In a famous essay on Alger, Professor Michael Moon calls the Ragged Dick story "an encapsulation" of corporate America's "long-cherished myth that the white males who control wealth and power have their eye out for that exceptional, 'deserving,' 'attractive'" young man who can be redeemed from an underclass background and join the ranks of the successful.
What do you think? Is this a myth or does this really happen? Is it a genuine avenue of success or just an illusion? In 700 or more words, discuss the role of patronage (coaching, mentoring, taking a personal interest in an individual) in the man's world of Ragged Dick and in the real business world of men and women today. Use a scene and quotation from the book and your own examples from real life (experiences or observations) to illustrate your points.