# IV explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## What happens

Basil and Isabel March debate the risks and merits of moving to New York to accept Fulkerson's offer to run a new literary magazine. Isabel initially resists, fearing the city's scale and her own provincial limitations, but ultimately decides to support the move. The chapter explores their marital dynamics, their self-image as cultivated but cautious people, and the tension between aspiration and comfort.

## Themes in this chapter

### Urban vs. Rural Life

Mrs. March's fear of New York's scale and her attachment to Boston's quieter, more manageable environment highlight the contrast between provincial comfort and urban ambition.

### Art and Commerce

March's divided life between insurance work and literary aspirations reflects the tension between commercial necessity and artistic fulfillment.

### Love and Marriage

The Marches' negotiation over the move reveals their deep mutual reliance, the compromises of marriage, and the blend of humor and pathos in their relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Basil March

Wrestles with the decision to leave his safe insurance job for a literary venture; feels torn between ambition and practicality.

### Mrs. March

Initially opposes the move to New York due to fear and provincialism, but later resolves to support her husband's literary aspirations.

### Fulkerson

Referenced as the originator of the magazine offer; his persistent enthusiasm pressures the Marches to decide.

## Key lines

> I suppose it has its risks, but it’s a risk keeping on as we are; and perhaps you will make a great success of it. I do want you to try, Basil.

Mrs. March acknowledges that staying in their current situation is also risky and encourages Basil to pursue the literary opportunity.

_Shows her eventual shift from reluctance to active support._

> I’m too old to change pinches.

March feels he is too set in his ways to trade one set of difficulties for another.

_Reflects his fear of change and middle-aged caution._

> We will go to New York. I’ve decided it.

Mrs. March announces her final decision to move, reversing her earlier opposition.

_Demonstrates her resolve and the dynamic of their marital decision-making._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-iv
- 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