Mark the Match Boy; or, Richard Hunter's Ward

Name: Mark the Match Boy; or, Richard Hunter's Ward
Author: Jr. Horatio Alger

By Jr. Horatio Alger

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American Literature Children & Young Adult Reading

About This Book

The narrative follows Richard Hunter, a young man who rises from street poverty to a respectable position through industry and prudence. He encounters a forlorn match seller and assumes responsibility for the boy, navigating moral challenges, financial obstacles, and the urban social networks that shape their prospects. Episodes trace attempts to recover a long-owed debt, scenes of daily street life, and interventions by sympathetic citizens. The work emphasizes themes of self-improvement, charity, and the potential for steady effort and goodwill to transform the lives of disadvantaged children.

About the Author

Jr. Horatio Alger

Horatio Alger, Jr. was an American author best known for his young adult novels that often feature themes of perseverance, hard work, and the pursuit of success. His stories typically revolve around impoverished boys who rise to middle-class status through determination and moral integrity. Notable works include "A Boy's Fortune; Or, The Strange Adventures of Ben Baker" and "Adrift in New York: Tom and Florence Braving the World." Alger's narratives reflect the values of the American Dream during the late 19th century, emphasizing the belief that anyone can achieve success regardless of their background.