A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
VIII explained
Fulkerson attempts to mediate between March and Dryfoos after the dinner party incident, but March refuses to accept Lindau's dismissal.
What happens
Fulkerson attempts to mediate between March and Dryfoos after the dinner party incident, but March refuses to accept Lindau's dismissal. Lindau returns his payment and resigns, feeling the money is tainted by speculation. March and his wife consider leaving New York and returning to Boston, but Fulkerson arrives with news that Dryfoos has apologized and withdrawn his demands.
Themes in this chapter
Capitalism and Moral Compromise
Lindau's refusal to accept money earned through speculation highlights the moral conflict between principled labor and capitalist profit.
Labor and Social Justice
Lindau's stance and March's defense of his right to hold opinions underscore themes of worker dignity and social justice.
Family and Generational Conflict
The Marches' discussion with their children about possibly returning to Boston reveals generational expectations and the tension between parental principles and family aspirations.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
Stands firm on principle, refusing to consent to Lindau's dismissal despite pressure from Dryfoos and Fulkerson.
- Mrs. March
Supports her husband's moral stance, though she feels the strain of uncertainty about their future.
- Fulkerson
Acts as mediator, trying to resolve the conflict between March and Dryfoos, and eventually succeeds in getting Dryfoos to apologize.
- Mr. Lindau
Returns his payment and resigns from the magazine, unable to accept money he believes is tainted by speculation and oppression.
- Mr. Dryfoos
Relents and sends apologies through Fulkerson, withdrawing his earlier demands.
- Conrad Dryfoos
Mentioned in March's account of a prior conversation; his sympathetic and principled nature is noted.
Key passages
“It iss not hawnest mawney—that hass been oarned py voark; it iss mawney that hass peen mate py sbeculation, and the obbression off lapor, and the necessity of the boor, by a man—Here it is, efery tollar, efery zent. Dake it; I feel as if dere vas ploodt on it.”
Lindau declares that the money is not honestly earned through work but made through speculation and the oppression of labor, and he returns every cent, feeling it is stained with blood.
Lindau's moral rejection of Dryfoos's wealth underscores the theme of capitalism and moral compromise.
“The great thing is to be right. I'm ten times as happy as if you had come home and told me that you had consented to do what Dryfoos asked and he had doubled your salary.”
Mrs. March asserts that moral integrity brings more happiness than financial gain achieved through compromise.
Reflects the couple's commitment to principle over material comfort.