A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
II explained
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.
What happens
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 initially refuses the offer, but after discussing it with his wife Isabel, she enthusiastically urges him to accept, seeing it as a perfect escape from his hated insurance job and a chance to pursue his literary ambitions.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Commerce
The proposed magazine embodies the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success, as Fulkerson's plan involves paying contributors a low price plus a percentage of profits.
Family and Generational Conflict
The March family dynamics are highlighted, with Isabel's strong influence on Basil's decision and the children's presence reflecting generational roles.
Capitalism and Moral Compromise
March's consideration of leaving his insurance job for a risky magazine venture touches on moral compromises within capitalist structures.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
March returns home and discusses Fulkerson's magazine offer with his wife, expressing reluctance but eventually being persuaded to consider it.
- Mrs. March
Isabel March eagerly encourages her husband to accept Fulkerson's offer, seeing it as a providential opportunity to leave his insurance job.
- Fulkerson
Fulkerson is discussed extensively; he has proposed that March help edit a new cooperative magazine, offering a salary of four thousand dollars.
- Bella
Bella, the Marches' fourteen-year-old daughter, greets her father exuberantly at the door and chatters at dinner.
- Tom
Tom, the Marches' son, is present in the library studying for Harvard and is mentioned at dinner.
Key passages
“All the way up to the South End March mentally prolonged his talk with Fulkerson, and at his door in Nankeen Square he closed the parley with a plump refusal to go to New York on any terms.”
On his walk home, March continued thinking about his conversation with Fulkerson, but when he reached his door, he firmly decided against moving to New York.
March's initial refusal sets up the central conflict of the chapter.
“If I'll make striking phrases for it and edit it, too, he'll give me four thousand dollars.”
Fulkerson offered March a salary of four thousand dollars to write catchy slogans and serve as editor.
This offer is the key plot point that Mrs. March seizes upon.
“Basil, I want you to try it! I know it will give you a new lease of life to have a congenial occupation.”
Isabel urges her husband to accept the job, believing it will revitalize him by allowing him to do work he enjoys.
Mrs. March's persuasion is crucial in March's eventual decision.