# XIII explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## What happens

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 the funeral. Dryfoos visits Beaton's studio and asks him to paint a portrait of Conrad, but Beaton refuses. Dryfoos suffers a physical episode and leaves abruptly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Mobility

Dryfoos, a former farmer turned millionaire, contrasts with Beaton, the son of a tombstone cutter, highlighting class dynamics and the pursuit of status.

### Family and Generational Conflict

Dryfoos's grief over Conrad's death and his regret over stopping Conrad from becoming a preacher illustrate generational tension and parental control.

### Art and Commerce

Beaton's refusal to paint Conrad's portrait for money underscores the conflict between artistic integrity and commercial demands.

## Character check-ins

### Angus Beaton

Decides to take a passive course regarding his position at Every Other Week; learns of Conrad's death and Lindau's clubbing; refuses Dryfoos's request to paint Conrad's portrait.

### Mr. Dryfoos

Visits Beaton's studio to commission a portrait of Conrad; reveals his grief and his wealth; suffers a physical episode and leaves abruptly.

### Conrad Dryfoos

His death is reported in the newspaper; Dryfoos wants Beaton to paint his portrait from photographs.

### Mr. Lindau

Reported as clubbed during the strike; his funeral is held at Dryfoos's house.

### Fulkerson

Mentioned as Beaton's business contact; brings notice of Lindau's funeral to Beaton.

### Basil March

Beaton takes a hint from March's position regarding the magazine relationship.

## Key lines

> He took a hint from March’s position and decided that he did not know Dryfoos in these relations; he knew only Fulkerson, who had certainly had nothing to do with Mrs. Mandel’s asking his intentions.

Beaton decided to ignore Dryfoos and deal only with Fulkerson, since Fulkerson was not involved in Mrs. Mandel's inquiry about his intentions.

_Beaton rationalizes his passive stance by separating his professional relationship with Fulkerson from his personal conflict with Dryfoos._

> I used to farm it myself. I’ve got a good pile of money together, now. At first it didn’t come easy; but now it’s got started it pours in and pours in; it seems like there was no end to it. I’ve got well on to three million; but it couldn’t keep me from losin’ my son.

Dryfoos tells Beaton that he was once a farmer but now has nearly three million dollars, yet his wealth cannot bring back his son.

_Dryfoos expresses the futility of wealth in the face of personal loss, revealing his grief and vulnerability._

> I reckon if a child has got any particular bent, it was given to it; and it’s goin’ against the grain, it’s goin’ against the law, to try to bend it some other way.

Dryfoos reflects that a child's natural inclination is divinely given and should not be forcibly redirected.

_Dryfoos regrets having stopped Conrad from becoming a preacher, acknowledging the futility of opposing a child's true calling._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters