Success
Alger, Horatio(1834–1899) writer of boys’ stories where young men are instantly rewarded for honesty, perseverance, etc. [Am. Hist.: Hart, 19]
“made her fortune in no time at all.” [Br. Lit.: Nicholas Nickleby]
from poor white to leading manufacturer. [Am. Lit.: Poor White, Magill I, 762–764]
realistic success story of those who fathered nation. [Am. Lit.: 0 Pioneers!, Magill I, 663–665]
became First Lord of the Admiralty by sticking to desk jobs and never going to sea. [Br. Opera: Gilbert and Sullivan H.M.S. Pinafore]
hero of Alger’s rags-to-riches epic. [Am. Lit.: Van Doren, 807]
indicates high achievement. [Western Folklore: Jobes, 350]
symbol of success on coats of arms. [Heraldry: Halberts, 16]
Allusions—Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.