Herbert Carter's Legacy
Jr. Horatio Alger
Jun 2017 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
255
Pages
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About this ebook
Hero Herbert Carter is a poor student, son to a widow. His clothing is mocked for its raggedness by James Leech, fop and son to miser Squire Leech, who holds the mortgage to the Carter cottage. James is noted for being "foolish enough to feel that a man or boy derived importance from the extent of his wardrobe." Herbert turns aside James's insults, and on coming home discovers that his miserly uncle, Herbert, has died. His mother says that one of them should attend the funeral, and Herbert agrees to walk the twenty miles to do so.
About the author
Horatio Alger Jr. (1832-1899) was an American author whose rags-to-riches tales became a cornerstone of 19th-century literature. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Alger attended Harvard University, where he studied under the tutelage of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His early career was marked by a brief stint as a minister, but a scandal involving allegations of inappropriate behavior led to his resignation and a pivot to writing.Alger's stories, often featuring young protagonists who rise from poverty to success through hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, struck a chord with a nation undergoing rapid industrialization and social change. His narratives encapsulated the American Dream, offering hope and moral lessons to a burgeoning middle class. Despite their formulaic nature, Alger's books were wildly popular, selling millions of copies and influencing generations of readers.However, Alger's life was not without controversy. His abrupt departure from the ministry and the subsequent whispers of scandal cast a shadow over his career. Additionally, modern critics have scrutinized his works for their simplistic moralism and lack of nuanced social critique. Yet, his influence on contemporary writers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jack London, is undeniable. They drew inspiration from Alger's archetypal self-made man, even as they complicated and critiqued the myth he helped to create.Alger's legacy is a testament to the enduring allure of the American Dream, even as it invites ongoing debate about the realities of social mobility and the complexities of human character. His life and works remain a fascinating study of ambition, morality, and the power of storytelling in shaping cultural ideals.
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