Horatio Alger

Mark the Match Boy (eBook, ePUB)

Rising from Poverty: A Tale of Resilience and Triumph in 19th Century New York City

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

"Mark the Match Boy" is a quintessential work of Horatio Alger's literary canon that embodies the rags-to-riches narrative central to his oeuvre. Published in 1864, this novella captures the struggles of a young, impoverished boy named Mark, who sells matches on the streets of New York City. Alger's style is marked by a blend of sentimentalism and didacticism, employing accessible prose to depict themes of perseverance, virtue, and the American Dream. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly industrializing society, the story starkly portrays the social inequalities of the time while offering a hopeful message about the potential for individual success through hard work and moral integrity. Horatio Alger, an influential American writer of the 19th century, often drew from his own experiences of witnessing the plight of the urban poor, which informed his deep empathy for marginalized individuals. His background in ministerial work and belief in the values of self-reliance and morality profoundly shaped the narratives he created, often revolving around underprivileged but industrious young boys who navigate societal challenges toward eventual success. This personal conviction is salient in "Mark the Match Boy," illustrating his dedication to uplifting narratives that foster hope. This timeless story is not only an engaging tale but also serves as a significant reflection on the American ethos. Readers seeking an inspiring narrative that champions resilience and hope amidst adversity will find "Mark the Match Boy" a rewarding addition to their literary repertoire, echoing sentiments that resonate with contemporary audiences.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 109
• Altersempfehlung: ab 7 Jahre
• Erscheinungstermin: 11. April 2021
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4064066454906
• Artikelnr.: 61609407

Autorenporträt

Horatio Alger Jr. (1832-1899) was a prolific 19th-century American author, most renowned for his rags-to-riches tales of impoverished boys achieving middle-class security through hard work, determination, courage, and honesty. His formulaic stories, with their moral and didactic themes, struck a chord with the American public, making him one of the most popular writers of his time. Alger was born in Revere, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard University. Following a stint as a minister, he turned to writing to reach a wider audience with his social ideals. Among his approximately one hundred titles, 'Mark the Match Boy' is a notable example, published in 1869 as a sequel to 'Ragged Dick,' which introduced readers to Alger's characteristic young protagonists and inspirational storytelling. Alger's work cannot be divorced from the context of the American Dream ideology of the 19th century, and his narratives often reinforce the belief in upward social mobility through merit and effort. His fiction, although formulaic, has been credited with legitimizing the genre of young adult literature, and his influence on this segment of the literary market persists. Academics have analyzed his narratives as cultural artifacts that reflect the tensions and aspirations of a society transitioning through rapid industrialization and ever-shifting class dynamics.