A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
XVII explained
Beaton, after being rejected by Alma Leighton, visits Christine Dryfoos in a mood of cynical caprice.
What happens
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 and mentions her upcoming trip to Europe, she attacks him physically. Beaton flees and later, in his studio, contemplates suicide but accidentally fires a pistol, only grazing his cheek.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The destructive and unrequited passion between Beaton and Christine illustrates the darker side of romantic attachment.
Social Class and Mobility
Beaton's condescending attitude toward the Dryfoos family reflects class tensions between old artistic circles and new wealth.
Characters to notice
- Angus Beaton
Visits Christine Dryfoos after being rejected by Alma; his mood is cynical and capricious, and he is physically attacked by Christine.
- Alma Leighton
Referenced as the one who rejected Beaton, setting his current mood.
- Christine Dryfoos
Attacks Beaton after he fails to declare his intentions; her rage and passion are vividly depicted.
- Mela Dryfoos
Present during Beaton's visit; she explains Christine's outburst afterward.
- Mr. Dryfoos
Referenced as having visited Beaton's studio and being berated by Christine.
Key passages
“Beaton was at his best when he parted for the last time with Alma Leighton, for he saw then that what had happened to him was the necessary consequence of what he had been, if not what he had done.”
Beaton felt most clear-headed when he left Alma for good, realizing that his fate was the result of his character, not just his actions.
Beaton's initial self-awareness after rejection.
“He had an insolent satisfaction in having delayed it so long; if he was going back he was going back on his own conditions, and these were to be as hard and humiliating as he could make them.”
He took arrogant pleasure in postponing his visit, intending to return only on his own harsh terms.
Beaton's defiant attitude toward the Dryfoos family.
“She felt him more than life to her and knew him lost, and the frenzy, that makes a woman kill the man she loves, or fling vitriol to destroy the beauty she cannot have for all hers, possessed her lawless soul.”
Christine felt that Beaton meant everything to her, yet she realized he was slipping away, and a violent rage took hold of her.
Christine's intense and dangerous passion.