Vision and innovation play a big role. Take Steve Jobs. He had a vision for user - friendly and beautifully designed technology products. His ideas, like the graphical user interface for the Mac, were innovative at the time and set Apple apart from its competitors. This kind of forward - thinking allowed him to build Apple into a huge success.
Hard work is crucial. Most of these individuals put in countless hours to achieve their goals. For example, Andrew Carnegie worked his way up from a poor immigrant boy to a steel magnate through long hours in the steel industry.
One common theme is the power of hard work. In many rags to riches stories, the protagonist has to work extremely hard. For example, in 'Great Expectations', Pip studies hard to fit into his new upper - class life. Another theme is the role of chance or fate. Like in 'The Alchemist', Santiago's journey is set in motion by a recurring dream, which could be seen as fate guiding him. And self - discovery is also a theme. Jane in 'Jane Eyre' discovers her own strength and worth through her difficult experiences, which helps her move from a state of poverty and low status to a better life.
Steve Jobs. He was adopted into a middle - class family. He started Apple in a garage with his friend. Despite facing setbacks like being ousted from his own company at one point, he returned and led Apple to become one of the most valuable companies in the world, revolutionizing the technology industry with products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Howard Schultz. He grew up in a housing project. He joined Starbucks when it was just a small coffee chain. Through his vision of creating a 'third place' between home and work, he expanded Starbucks globally, turning it into a multi - billion - dollar company.
One great example is LeBron James. He grew up in a tough neighborhood in Akron, Ohio. Despite the hardships, his basketball talent shone through. He worked hard and eventually became one of the highest - paid and most respected athletes in the world. His story shows that with determination and talent, you can rise from humble beginnings.
Oprah Winfrey's story is one. She was born into poverty in Mississippi but through her talent and hard work in media, she became a billionaire. Another is J.K. Rowling. She was a single mother on welfare when she wrote the first 'Harry Potter' book, and now she's extremely wealthy. Also, Colonel Sanders. He started with very little and through his Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe, built a global empire.
Another is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. Jane is an orphan with a very difficult and poor upbringing. She endures a lot of hardships but through her strong will, intelligence and integrity, she manages to better her situation. She eventually marries Mr. Rochester and gains a life of relative comfort and respect, which is a form of rags to riches journey in the context of the 19th - century society.
Rags to riches fiction books typically have a relatable main character who starts from a disadvantaged position. This makes it easy for readers to root for them. In books like 'Oliver Twist', Oliver's vulnerability and poverty make readers hope for his betterment. There is also a focus on growth and development. The character evolves not just in terms of wealth but also in wisdom and self - understanding. Take 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby's rise in wealth is accompanied by a complex emotional and psychological growth. Moreover, these books often depict a society with different classes and the struggles of moving from one class to another, like in 'Pride and Prejudice' where Elizabeth has to navigate the class - conscious society of her time.