Money & Success

Money & Success

From Ragged Dick

Horatio Alger

Horatio Alger has a story about a young man achieving his dream through an unexpected occasion. The author states that anyone can succeed. Despite one’s race, ethnicity or backgrounds, everyone has a chance to succeed and be wealthy. Everyone must have heard of the American dream, and as an international student, I pursuing the dream as well. There is no doubt that this will always be the case. The dream, however, is still in effect and the myth of success in United States is accessible for anyone.

The Lesson

Tony Cade Bambara

“The Lesson”, is a story about a group of kids visiting a high-class toy store. The children are from the low-class families of the society and the first visit to a luxurious toy store was an eye-opener for them. I’m sure a lot of people have felt the way Sylvia and others have if you’re a part of the middle class families. It’s hard to absorb completely the fact that while some people are grasping for air financially and worrying about what to eat for dinner, some people in the society have enough wealth to spend on expensive toys. The visit to F.A.O. Schwarz definitely introduced the different social classes and indirectly intimidated the kids.

Horatio Alger

Harlon L. Dalton

Dalton has viewpoints that are opposite to those of Alger’s from the first reading. The myth of the American Dream has settled within our society for some time, but the myth was never offered and accessible to some group of people. Dalton emphasizes on the color of the skin. As I have mentioned earlier, I, myself is pursuing the dream of success in the United States. However, I acknowledge the fact that the color of my skin is not as desired as I hope by the others. The American dream can never be achieved if you are not accepted by the society in the United States. Both Alger and Dalton exhibits good points. The myth of success sounds pleasing, but your effort and hard work will never be...

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