# A Hazard of New Fortunes — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for A Hazard of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells.

- [Bibliographical](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/bibliographical.md): In this bibliographical note, W.D. Howells reflects on the writing of A Hazard of New Fortunes, explaining how he adapted his characters Basil and Isabel March from their earlier roles in Their Wedding Journey by address
- [Part First](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/a-hazard-of-new-fortunes.md): The Marches, Basil and Isabel, decide to leave their comfortable life in Boston for the uncertain opportunities of New York City. Basil March loses his insurance job and receives an offer from Fulkerson to edit a new lit
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-i.md): Fulkerson pitches his idea for a new cooperative magazine to Basil March, praising his taste, conscience, and Western roots. He offers March the editorship with a salary of $3,500 and a share in profits, urging him to le
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-ii.md): Basil March returns home to his family in Boston after meeting with Fulkerson, who offers him a position as co-editor of a new cooperative magazine, Every Other Week, with a salary of four thousand dollars. March initial
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-iii.md): Basil March tells his wife Isabel about Fulkerson's offer to edit a new magazine in New York. Isabel is initially enthusiastic but recoils when she learns the magazine would be based in New York, not Boston. The Marches 
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-iv.md): Basil and Isabel March debate the risks and merits of moving to New York to accept Fulkerson's offer to run a new literary magazine. Isabel initially resists, fearing the city's scale and her own provincial limitations, 
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-v.md): After a quarrel over Fulkerson's offer, the Marches reconcile. March receives a letter hinting at his removal from the insurance company. He rejects a promotion from Mr. Hubbell, and Fulkerson arrives in person to confir
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-vi.md): The Marches prepare to move to New York, with Mrs. March taking charge of the practical arrangements while Mr. March struggles with anxiety and homesickness. They travel by train, and their mood improves during dinner in
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-vii.md): The Marches arrive in New York and check into a familiar hotel downtown. Mrs. March is frustrated with Fulkerson's flat suggestions, but after settling in, they begin their search for a furnished apartment with specific 
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-viii.md): The Marches continue their exhausting search for a New York apartment, confronting the city's peculiar real estate norms, including the ubiquitous 'seven rooms and a bath' flat. They explore various neighborhoods, encoun
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-ix.md): The Marches continue their house-hunting in New York, now with less novelty but sustained interest. They tour expensive apartments in a coupé, but their journey takes them through a tenement street, prompting a philosoph
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-x.md): Mrs. March prepares to return to Boston, leaving Basil March to continue the apartment search. Fulkerson visits and offers to help. The Marches share a reflective journey to the train station, observing the city's night 
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-xi.md): Fulkerson recounts the story of Mr. Dryfoos, a former farmer who sold his land for a fortune after his family pressured him, then became a successful speculator in Moffitt before moving to New York to spend his money and
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-xii.md): March and Fulkerson prepare for the launch of Every Other Week, with Fulkerson handling publicity and March managing manuscripts. March resists visiting the Dryfoos family prematurely, respecting social etiquette. Later,
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-i.md): Alma Leighton and her mother discuss art, artists, and their move to New York. Alma critiques her own work and reflects on the nature of artistic genius, while Mrs. Leighton wonders why Mr. Beaton has not visited them. T
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-ii.md): The Woodburns, a father and daughter from Virginia, arrive late to inspect rooms at the Leightons' boarding house. Miss Woodburn shows interest in Alma's art and proposes they collaborate on a book. The Leightons worry a
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-iii.md): In his studio, Angus Beaton works on a bust of an old model named Lindau while struggling with his artistic and financial commitments. Fulkerson visits to recruit Beaton for the new magazine Every Other Week, offering an
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-iv.md): Beaton attends Mrs. Horn's tea, where she expresses patronizing concern for the Leightons' move to New York. He later visits the Leightons, where Mrs. Leighton's cool reception reflects his neglect. Miss Woodburn fetches
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-v.md): Beaton visits the Leightons and is met with a cool, mocking reception from Alma, who pretends to forget details about his life and art. She maintains a bright, impenetrable facade that leaves Beaton confused and hurt. Af
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-vi.md): The chapter details a meeting between Fulkerson, March, Dryfoos, and Beaton to discuss the design and format of the new magazine 'Every Other Week'. They debate cover style, paper quality, and the role of illustrations, 
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-vii.md): March and Beaton have a tense meeting about the magazine's direction, with Beaton appearing aloof. Fulkerson later reassures March about Beaton's value and suggests hiring Lindau as a translator for foreign literature. M
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-viii.md): Basil and Isabel March visit the Dryfoos family in their New York brownstone. During the visit, they encounter the Dryfoos women and Mrs. Mandel, and the conversation touches on art, morality, and social differences. Ful
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-ix.md): Fulkerson brings Beaton to the Dryfoos home, where he lightens the mood with jokes and introduces Beaton to examine Christine's ring. Afterward, Fulkerson walks with the Marches to the Elevated station and explains how h
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-x.md): Colonel Woodburn critiques commercialism and its effect on art and morality, while Beaton struggles with his own artistic integrity and his feelings for Alma Leighton. Beaton returns Alma's design and they agree to a pur
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xi.md): Basil March travels via the Elevated train to Chatham Square to visit his old friend Lindau, observing the diverse ethnicities and social conditions of New York's East Side. He reflects on the chaotic, planless growth of
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xii.md): March visits Lindau in his impoverished tenement room, where they discuss Lindau's deliberate choice to live among the poor to avoid forgetting their suffering. March offers Lindau translation work for the new magazine, 
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xiii.md): March reflects on Lindau's radical views, seeing them as literary rather than deeply considered. He contemplates the irony of Lindau working for a magazine funded by Dryfoos, a millionaire he despises. The first issue of
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xiv.md): The Marches initially fear the magazine has failed due to harsh press reviews, but Fulkerson reveals it is a booming success. The chapter also covers interactions at the Leightons' home, including Alma sketching Miss Woo
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xv.md): Fulkerson visits the Leightons and engages in playful banter about the magazine staff, particularly Beaton. Mrs. Leighton defends Beaton while Alma reveals her disillusionment with him, asserting she no longer cares for 
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-i.md): Fulkerson envisions a grand banquet to celebrate the success of Every Other Week, but his plans are delayed by the absence of the elder Dryfoos. March observes Fulkerson's complex attitude toward Dryfoos—a mix of bewilde
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-ii.md): March and Fulkerson discuss the success of Every Other Week with Mr. Dryfoos, who expresses skepticism about the financial returns and reveals a tension with his son Conrad over worldly versus spiritual values. March lat
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-iii.md): Dryfoos, awakened by laughter and music from the drawing-room, converses with his wife about their old farm and the graves of their children, expressing deep homesickness and discomfort with their new wealth. He then obs
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-iv.md): Beaton, feeling distrusted by Dryfoos, enjoys Christine's interest in him but is conflicted about his feelings. He visits the Leightons, where he interacts with Alma Leighton and Miss Woodburn, discussing art, the Dryfoo
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-v.md): At a reception, Beaton interacts with Margaret Vance and Wetmore, discussing the Dryfooses and Alma Leighton. Margaret considers visiting the Dryfooses out of social conscience, while Beaton reflects on his relationship 
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-vi.md): Mrs. Horn and her niece Margaret Vance discuss the social implications of Margaret's desire to call upon the Dryfooses, a wealthy but socially isolated family. Mrs. Horn cautions Margaret about the potential consequences
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-vii.md): Margaret Vance visits the Dryfoos sisters, attempting to be kind and genuine. She discusses music and banjos with Christine and Mela, who share stories about their life in the natural-gas country. Margaret invites them t
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-viii.md): Margaret Vance's visit to the Dryfoos sisters is examined through the lens of their vastly different social perspectives. Christine and Mela, buoyed by their father's wealth, feel no social inferiority and interpret the 
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-ix.md): The Marches attend a musical evening at Mrs. Horn's, where the Dryfoos sisters are also present, revealing social tensions and class differences. Mrs. March worries about her husband's motives in talking to Mela Dryfoos,
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-i.md): The chapter introduces the Marches' complex relationship with Lindau, a radical German-American veteran whose political views clash with Mrs. March's sensibilities. Meanwhile, Fulkerson pitches a literary magazine backed
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-ii.md): The Marches settle into New York life, finding pleasure in the city's foreignness and exploring its diverse neighborhoods, restaurants, and streets. They reflect on their new environment, the contrast with Boston, and th
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-iii.md): The Marches explore New York via the Elevated Railroad, reflecting on the city's growth and their own changed perspectives. March becomes deeply involved in his editorship of 'Every Other Week,' though he finds the socia
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-iv.md): The chapter explores the dynamics at the Every Other Week office, focusing on Beaton's difficult personality, March's interactions with Dryfoos and Lindau, and Lindau's passionate critiques of capitalism and American soc
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-v.md): Fulkerson informs March about Dryfoos's plan for a preliminary dinner at his house to discuss the upcoming banquet for Every Other Week. Dryfoos wants to invite Lindau as a compliment for his service to the country, but 
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-vi.md): At a dinner party hosted by Dryfoos, the guests engage in a heated debate about capitalism, labor unions, and social responsibility. Lindau and Colonel Woodburn clash over their opposing visions of society, while Fulkers
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-vii.md): March faces a moral crisis when Dryfoos demands he fire Lindau from the magazine. March refuses, asserting his editorial independence, and resigns when Fulkerson hesitates to support him. The chapter explores the conflic
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-viii.md): Fulkerson attempts to mediate between March and Dryfoos after the dinner party incident, but March refuses to accept Lindau's dismissal. Lindau returns his payment and resigns, feeling the money is tainted by speculation
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-ix.md): Fulkerson, troubled by the conflict between March and Dryfoos over Lindau, seeks solutions. He dines at Maroni's, where he meets Beaton, and they discuss the impasse. Beaton suggests using Colonel Woodburn as an intermed
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-i.md): The chapter explores the aftermath of the Lindau incident, focusing on March's lingering discomfort and shame, the normalization of affairs at Every Other Week, Fulkerson's engagement to Miss Woodburn, and Beaton's rejec
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-ii.md): Beaton visits Mrs. Horn's Thursday gathering, where he converses with Margaret Vance about her charitable work and the Dryfoos family. Mrs. Horn, concerned about Margaret's devotion to social causes, tries to rekindle he
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-iii.md): March and Fulkerson discuss the ongoing streetcar strike, with Fulkerson excitedly following the news and March taking a more philosophical view. March observes the strike's impact on the city and reflects on the public'
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-iv.md): The chapter depicts the escalating conflict within the Dryfoos family. Christine confronts her father about his interference with Beaton, violently returning his gifts. Later, Dryfoos confronts Conrad at the magazine off
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-v.md): Conrad Dryfoos encounters Miss Vance, who passionately expresses her sympathy for the striking workers. Inspired by her words, Conrad resolves to intervene in the labor conflict. He witnesses a violent confrontation betw
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-vi.md): In the aftermath of Conrad Dryfoos's death, the Marches and Fulkerson leave the Dryfoos home after helping with arrangements. Mrs. March reflects on her husband's role, while March muses on human endurance and death. The
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-vii.md): In the aftermath of Conrad Dryfoos's death, Miss Vance visits the Marches to seek the truth about her role in the tragedy. She reveals she had urged someone to plead with the strikers, and fears her words sent Conrad to 
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-viii.md): In the wake of Conrad Dryfoos's death, the Marches find themselves in more sympathetic relations with the Dryfoos family. Mrs. March observes the family's grief, noting Christine's estrangement from her father and Mela's
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-ix.md): Fulkerson and March discuss the aftermath of Conrad Dryfoos's death and its impact on Mr. Dryfoos, reflecting on the fragility of life and the seeming waste of a good man. March then visits Lindau in the hospital, where 
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-x.md): March struggles to inform Dryfoos of Lindau's death, while Dryfoos expresses remorse for his past treatment of Lindau and a desire to make amends, revealing his grief over his son Conrad's death and his wish to honor Con
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xi.md): March returns home and discusses with his wife the aftermath of Lindau's death and Dryfoos's reaction. The family reflects on themes of punishment, atonement, and the moral order of the universe, with March contemplating
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xii.md): Lindau's funeral is held at the Dryfoos house as a grotesque but poignant attempt by Dryfoos to atone for his son Conrad's death. The ceremony brings together characters from the magazine, including the Marches, Fulkerso
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xiii.md): Beaton decides to remain passive regarding his connection with Every Other Week after the incident with Mrs. Mandel and Dryfoos. He learns of Conrad's death and Lindau's injuries from the newspaper but does not attend th
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xiv.md): Beaton spends the day brooding over Dryfoos's request to paint Conrad's portrait, which he refused. He reflects on his relationships with Christine Dryfoos, Alma Leighton, and Margaret Vance, weighing the allure of the D
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xv.md): Beaton, despairing over his lost favor with Alma Leighton, resolves to propose to her one last time, hoping she will save him from a future with Christine Dryfoos. Alma firmly rejects him, declaring her feelings dead and
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xvi.md): Dryfoos offers to give March and Fulkerson control of Every Other Week on generous terms, planning to take his family to Europe. March insists on consulting Fulkerson before accepting. Meanwhile, Fulkerson and March disc
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xvii.md): Beaton, after being rejected by Alma Leighton, visits Christine Dryfoos in a mood of cynical caprice. Christine, who had been waiting for him, is torn between love and rage. When Beaton fails to declare his intentions an
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xviii.md): The Marches and Fulkerson see the Dryfoos family off on a steamer to Europe. Every Other Week is transferred to March and Fulkerson, who implement cost-cutting reforms. Beaton remains with the magazine. Fulkerson marries

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