What are the motifs in Ragged Dick and Mark, the Match Boy by Horatio Alger?

Another recurring idea of the book is the expression of the social values promoted by the author, Horatio Alger. Alger had been well known for his promotion of social values during the era in which he wrote. His books had promoted the rags to riches story by showing young boys how to lead the correct life. Ethics, honesty and clean living are central to Alger and his theme of social values. Boys should not drink, smoke or steal. They shouldn't waste their time and money on these and other forms of entertainment like the theater and clubs.