A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
March returns home and discusses with his wife the aftermath of Lindau's death and Dryfoos's reaction.
What happens
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 the nature of suffering and sacrifice. The chapter also touches on Margaret Vance's charitable work and March's purchase of a new hat.
Themes in this chapter
Labor and Social Justice
The chapter discusses Lindau's death in a strike, his sympathy with violence, and the moral implications of fighting for justice outside legal means.
Family and Generational Conflict
March's conversation with his son Tom about Lindau's cause highlights generational differences in understanding social issues and moral responsibility.
Capitalism and Moral Compromise
Dryfoos's worldly ambition is blamed for vexing and thwarting Conrad, and his attempt at reparation to the dead is seen as futile.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
March recounts Dryfoos's reaction to Lindau's death and engages in philosophical discussion with his family about suffering and atonement.
- Mrs. March
Mrs. March expresses her belief in a moral government of the universe and questions Margaret Vance's motives for charitable work.
- Mr. Dryfoos
Dryfoos reacts to Lindau's death with a childlike grief and plans to make reparation to the dead.
- Mr. Lindau
Lindau is remembered as having died in a bad cause, having renounced American means and sympathized with violence.
- Conrad Dryfoos
Conrad is discussed as having suffered for the sins of others, echoing the doctrine of the Atonement.
- Margaret Vance
Margaret Vance is mentioned as being driven to the work of a Sister of Charity among the poor and dying.
Key passages
“How did he take it? How could he bear it? Oh, Basil! I wonder you could have the heart to say it to him. It was cruel!”
Mrs. March expresses shock and dismay at March's having told Dryfoos about Lindau's death.
Mrs. March's reaction reveals her empathy and the emotional weight of the news.
“Death is an exile that no remorse and no love can reach.”
March reflects that death is a separation that cannot be undone by any feelings of regret or affection.
March's philosophical musing underscores the permanence of death and the importance of kindness in life.
“These two old men have been terribly punished. They have both been violent and wilful, and they have both been punished. No one need ever tell me there is not a moral government of the universe!”
Mrs. March asserts that Dryfoos and Lindau have suffered consequences for their stubbornness and violence, proving a moral order exists.
Mrs. March's Puritanical view emphasizes divine justice and retribution.
“I suppose, papa, that Mr. Lindau died in a bad cause?”
Tom asks whether Lindau's death was for an unjust cause.
Tom's question prompts March to consider the legitimacy of Lindau's methods.
“If we love mankind, pity them, we even wish to suffer for them.”
March suggests that love for humanity leads to a desire to share in their suffering.
This idea connects to the theme of atonement and self-sacrifice.
