# I explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## What happens

The chapter introduces the Marches' complex relationship with Lindau, a radical German-American veteran whose political views clash with Mrs. March's sensibilities. Meanwhile, Fulkerson pitches a literary magazine backed by the wealthy Dryfoos, revealing tensions between commerce and ideals. The Marches also discuss their summer plans, reflecting their domestic and social concerns.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Mobility

Lindau's critique of inequality and the lack of equal opportunity contrasts with the Marches' middle-class comfort and Dryfoos's nouveau riche status.

### Capitalism and Moral Compromise

Fulkerson's plan to use Dryfoos's wealth for the magazine raises questions about the intersection of commerce, ideals, and integrity.

### Immigration and Cultural Diversity

Lindau, a German immigrant and radical, brings foreign perspectives that challenge the Marches' American assumptions.

## Character check-ins

### Basil March

Engages with Lindau's radical ideas and Fulkerson's magazine scheme; shows a tolerant, teasing attitude toward his wife's anxieties.

### Mrs. March

Disturbed by Lindau's critiques of American inequality and justice; worries about the effect on her children and her husband's involvement.

### Mr. Lindau

A radical veteran who tutors Tom in German; expresses controversial views on class, law, and opportunity, causing tension in the March household.

### Fulkerson

Proposes a magazine venture with Dryfoos's backing, blending humor and self-interest; seeks to leverage Dryfoos's wealth for public appeal.

### Mr. Dryfoos

The wealthy natural-gas magnate; skeptical of Fulkerson's promotional ideas but willing to fund the magazine.

### Conrad Dryfoos

Resists being used as a figurehead for cooperative ideals; shows integrity and defiance toward his father.

## Key lines

> It shocked her to be told that the rich and poor were not equal before the law in a country where justice must be paid for at every step in fees and costs, or where a poor man must go to war in his own person, and a rich man might hire someone to go in his.

Mrs. March is disturbed by Lindau's claim that the legal system favors the wealthy and that the rich can avoid military service by paying a substitute.

_Highlights class-based injustice and Mrs. March's discomfort with radical critique._

> He will get you into trouble, somehow, Basil.

Mrs. March warns her husband that Lindau's radical views will eventually cause problems for him.

_Foreshadows future conflict involving Lindau's influence._

> The public expects to be interested, and nothing would interest it more than to be told that the success of Every Other Week sprang from the first application of the principle of Live and let Live to a literary enterprise.

Fulkerson suggests that promoting the magazine as a cooperative venture will attract public interest.

_Reflects the tension between genuine ideals and marketing strategy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-i
- 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