Micky Maguire Character Analysis in Ragged Dick: Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks

Micky Maguire is a homeless bootblack like Ragged Dick. However, whereas Dick yearns for a better life and ultimately earns one, Micky seems content with his lot in life and actively dislikes ambitious boys like Dick and Fosdick. He calls their ambition “putting on airs.” Micky is also something of a bully and a thug, having been to prison twice for stealing, and having beat up or otherwise intimidated boys in the past who he considered to have put on airs. Micky has little such luck with Dick, however, as Dick’s calm and collected nature enable him to easily outsmart the bully multiple times throughout Ragged Dick.

Micky Maguire Character Timeline in Ragged Dick: Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks

The timeline below shows where the character Micky Maguire appears in Ragged Dick: Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Returning to work, Dick finds himself confronted by Micky Maguire, a young hooligan who takes offense to Dick’s new wardrobe. Maguire thinks that Dick is... (full context)

After a few words, Maguire throws a punch at Dick, who easily avoids it and returns with one of his... (full context)

Dick explains to the police officer that Maguire didn’t like Dick because he “went to a different tailor than him.” The officer laughs... (full context)

Fortune Favors the Industrious Theme Icon

...continue his religious education. As he and Fosdick leave, however, they are accosted by Micky Maguire, who throws a stone that just misses Dick’s head. (full context)

Maguire runs away from Dick and Fosdick as soon as he’s spotted, but Dick gives chase.... (full context)

On the way back home, Dick encounters Micky Maguire, who is thrilled to see Dick back in his raggedy clothes. Dick simply ignores him. (full context)