A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
II explained
The Woodburns, a father and daughter from Virginia, arrive late to inspect rooms at the Leightons' boarding house.
What happens
The Woodburns, a father and daughter from Virginia, arrive late to inspect rooms at the Leightons' boarding house. Miss Woodburn shows interest in Alma's art and proposes they collaborate on a book. The Leightons worry about the boarders' ability to pay, but the visit ends with an agreement.
Themes in this chapter
Urban vs. Rural Life
The Woodburns, newly arrived from the South, navigate the unfamiliar city and the boarding house system.
Art and Commerce
Alma's artistic ambitions are discussed alongside the practical need to earn a living through illustration.
Social Class and Mobility
The Woodburns' poverty and the Leightons' financial concerns highlight the precariousness of social standing.
Characters to notice
- Alma Leighton
Shows her sketches to Miss Woodburn and discusses her art studies with Mr. Wetmore.
- Mrs. Leighton
Anxiously shows the rooms to the Woodburns and worries about their ability to pay.
- Colonel Woodburn
Accompanies his daughter to inspect the rooms; refuses to bargain over the price.
- Miss Woodburn
Bubbly and talkative; praises Alma's sketches and proposes writing a book for her illustrations.
Key passages
“Ah’ve got to do something. Ah maght as well wrahte a book. You know we Southerners have all had to go to woak.”
Miss Woodburn feels compelled to earn money and considers writing a book, noting that Southerners have had to work after the war.
Reflects the economic shift for Southern families after the Civil War.
“Their being ladies won’t help if they’ve got no money. It’ll make it all the worse.”
Mrs. Leighton worries that the Woodburns' refinement will be a liability if they cannot pay for the rooms.
Highlights the tension between social class and financial reality.