# VI explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## What happens

The chapter details a meeting between Fulkerson, March, Dryfoos, and Beaton to discuss the design and format of the new magazine 'Every Other Week'. They debate cover style, paper quality, and the role of illustrations, with Fulkerson advocating for a female-focused marketing strategy and Beaton providing artistic critique.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Commerce

The chapter explores the tension between artistic integrity (Beaton's critique) and commercial viability (Fulkerson's marketing strategies).

### Capitalism and Moral Compromise

Fulkerson's plan to appeal to women's 'sex-piety' and the focus on profit highlight the moral compromises inherent in capitalist publishing.

## Character check-ins

### Angus Beaton

Beaton is consulted as an art expert, critiquing the dummy cover and discussing illustration styles.

### Basil March

March participates in the editorial discussion, expressing his preference for paper covers and his views on illustrations.

### Fulkerson

Fulkerson leads the meeting, presenting the magazine's concept and marketing ideas, including the 'Ewig-Weibliche' approach.

### Mr. Dryfoos

Dryfoos is present as the financial backer, laughing nervously at jokes and supporting the cheaper paper cover.

## Key lines

> he’s the counting-room incarnate, the source of power, the fountain of corruption, the element that prevents journalism being the high and holy thing that it would be if there were no money in it.

Fulkerson describes Dryfoos as the embodiment of the business side, which corrupts journalism's purity.

_This highlights the theme of commerce versus idealism._

> I don’t know anything about the business side, and I can’t tell about the effect of either style on the sales; but you’ll spoil the whole character of the cover if you use anything thicker than that thickish paper.

Beaton admits ignorance of business but insists on the artistic integrity of the cover design.

_Beaton's focus on aesthetics over sales underscores the art-commerce conflict._

> What we want to do is to work the Ewig-Weibliche in this concern. We want to make a magazine that will go for the women’s fancy every time.

Fulkerson proposes targeting women readers by emphasizing feminine appeal in the magazine's content and marketing.

_This reflects the commercial strategy of appealing to the dominant female readership._

## Links

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