# II explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-ii
- 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