A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
III explained
Basil March tells his wife Isabel about Fulkerson's offer to edit a new magazine in New York.
What happens
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 ultimately decide to decline the offer, citing their attachment to Boston, their children's established lives, and March's reluctance to make such a radical change at his age.
Themes in this chapter
Urban vs. Rural Life
The Marches' debate about moving to New York versus staying in Boston exemplifies the tension between the established, genteel life of Boston and the more dynamic, commercial environment of New York.
Family and Generational Conflict
The Marches consider the impact of a potential move on their children's education and social activities, showing how family considerations shape major life decisions.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
March presents Fulkerson's offer to his wife, initially putting a positive spin but eventually revealing the New York condition. He ultimately decides to refuse the offer, feeling too old for such a radical change.
- Mrs. March
Isabel is enthusiastic about the magazine idea until she learns it would require moving to New York. She expresses strong disapproval of New York and emphasizes her attachment to Boston and the children's activities.
- Fulkerson
Fulkerson is mentioned as the one who made the offer to March, proposing that March edit a new magazine in New York. March expresses some skepticism about Fulkerson's judgment.
Key passages
“The fact is, I'm too old to change so radically. If you don't like my saying that, then you are, Isabel, and so are the children.”
March argues that he is too old for such a major life change, and that Isabel and the children are similarly set in their ways.
March uses age and family inertia as reasons to decline the New York offer.
“In New York, Basil! Oh, how could you have let me go on?”
Isabel expresses shock and reproach upon learning that the magazine would be published in New York, not Boston.
Isabel's reaction reveals her strong preference for Boston and her dismay at the New York condition.