Horatio Alger Myth
The "Horatio Alger myth" is the rags to riches message in books by Horatio Alger, Jr.. Alger wrote over 100 books for young working class males, beginning with Ragged Dick, which was published in 1867. His books have been described as rags to riches stories. “By leading exemplary lives, struggling valiantly against poverty and adversity,” Alger’s protagonists gain both wealth and honor, ultimately realizing the American Dream. The characters in his formulaic stories sometimes improved their social position through the aid of an older, kindly, wealthly helping person.
Read more about Horatio Alger Myth: Success of Alger's Characters, Criticism and Analysis
Famous quotes containing the word myth:
“The myth of independence from the mother is abandoned in mid- life as women learn new routes around the mother—both the mother without and the mother within. A mid-life daughter may reengage with a mother or put new controls on care and set limits to love. But whatever she does, her child’s history is never finished.”
—Terri Apter (20th century)