The “Horatio Alger myth” refers to an American classic success story, which represents a trajectory arc from “rags to riches”. The origin of the myth can be traced to Horatio Alger Jr’s writings and novels that were popular after the American Civil War. On the other hand, the “Trading Places” is a 1983 American film produced by Landis John, and it embodies the “Horatio Alger myth” (Trading Places). The film depicts the idea that a person, regardless of their upbringing and social background, can rise from rags to riches.
Billy Ray Valentine is one of the main characters of the film. He is a street hustler who had an intense encounter with into Winthorpe III, a commodity broker (Trading Places). The film depicts the plight of the disadvantaged and poor members of the society and satirizes the opulent lifestyles of super-rich people such as executives and brokers. Valentine is a small-time beggar and hustler residing in Philadelphia’s dirty streets while Winthhorpe lives lavishly in another part of town (Trading Places).
While the Harvard-educated Winthorpe was born into a life of privilege, Valentine was born into a life hardship and poverty. At some point, commodity brokers, Randolph, and Mortimer Duke, decided to take a common criminal and turn him into a successful businessman that works for Duke & Duke, a brokerage firm; however, Winthhorpe lost his job at the same firm (Trading Places). Billy Ray Valentine is the street hustler and common criminal who is given the job and home that belonged to Winthhorpe. The brothers hired him because of his practical wisdom and street tactics.
The Dukes are doing this to test the “nature vs. nurture” phenomenon (Trading Places). The life of Valentine changes fundamentally as he is widely transformed from a poor to a rich person. Furthermore, the film highlights the challenges and problems associated with capitalism such as unethical business practices. It also demonstrates the way a person with a strong will and determined mind can become successful regardless of their upbringing and background.
Work Cited
Trading Places. Dir. Landis, John. Cinema Group Ventures, 1983. DVD.
