Tom Temple's Career

"Tom Temple's Career" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a tale set in the 1800's, following sixteen-year-old Tom Temple after he is unexpectedly taken in by Nathan Middleton, an insurance agent, after his father dies. The story looks at ideas about money, the different levels of society, and growing as a person as Tom tries to find his way in the world with his odd new family in a small town. At the start, Nathan Middleton, a man who is very careful with his money, finds out he has to take in Tom Temple, the son of a friend he knew when he was younger. Nathan doesn't want to at first, but changes his mind when he learns he will get money each year for taking care of Tom. When Tom gets there, he quickly goes against the Middletons' cheap way of living, showing how brave he is and how much he enjoys life. The story shows how Tom gets along with his new family and the rich kids in town, giving hints about problems and adventures that will come up because of his strong personality and his changing luck in life.