Out for Business; or, Robert Frost's Strange Career

"Out for Business; or, Robert Frost's Strange Career" by Horatio Alger Jr. follows the story of Robert Frost, a sixteen-year-old, who confronts unforeseen tests after his mother's second marriage to an unwelcome individual, James Talbot. The narrative looks at Robert's journey to find himself and his desire to pursue success against all difficulties. Robert is dealing with the death of his father and the tension from his mother's marriage to James Talbot, whom Robert instantly dislikes. The story shows Robert's feelings and initial interactions with James Talbot, which are strained and full of anger. After a heated argument, Robert decides to leave in search of a better life, starting a journey that promises experiences that will shape his character. The beginning introduces a family conflict along with themes of determination that are important to Alger's style of writing.