# Tom Temple's Career

By Horatio Alger, Jr..

"Tom Temple's Career" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story revolves around Tom Temple, a sixteen-year-old boy who finds himself suddenly adopted by Nathan Middleton, an insurance agent, after the death of his father. The narrative explores themes of wealth, social class, and personal development as Tom navigates his new life with his eccentric guardians in a small town. The opening of the novel introduces Nathan Middleton, a miserly and calculating man, who learns he must take Tom Temple, the son of a deceased childhood friend, into his home. Initially resistant, Nathan's perspective shifts upon learning that he will receive an annual allowance for caring for Tom. As Tom arrives, he immediately challenges the Middletons' frugal lifestyle, revealing his bold personality and appetite for both food and life. The story establishes the dynamics between Tom, his new guardians, and the children of the local elite, hinting at future conflicts and adventures that will arise from his assertive character and changing fortunes. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Contributor: Edward Sylvester Ellis
- Subjects: Short stories; Orphans -- Juvenile fiction; Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction; Bildungsromans; Friendship -- Juvenile fiction; New York (N.Y.) -- Juvenile fiction; Youth -- Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction; Diligence -- Juvenile fiction; Success -- Juvenile fiction; Theft -- Juvenile fiction; Teasing -- Juvenile fiction; Misers -- Juvenile fiction

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From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.