# VII explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## What happens

March and Beaton have a tense meeting about the magazine's direction, with Beaton appearing aloof. Fulkerson later reassures March about Beaton's value and suggests hiring Lindau as a translator for foreign literature. March discusses the magazine's potential with Conrad Dryfoos, who expresses a desire to help people understand each other through writing about life in New York.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Commerce

The tension between artistic integrity and commercial success is evident in March's deferential approach to Beaton and Fulkerson's pragmatic vision for the magazine.

### Urban vs. Rural Life

March's interest in writing about life in New York City highlights the fascination with urban experiences and the contrast between comfortable and uncomfortable living conditions.

## Character check-ins

### Basil March

Explains the magazine's plan to Beaton, discusses hiring Lindau with Fulkerson, and talks with Conrad Dryfoos about the magazine's potential.

### Angus Beaton

Meets with March about the art editor position, appears aloof, and is later revealed to be modeling Lindau as Judas Iscariot.

### Fulkerson

Reassures March about Beaton, suggests hiring Lindau as a translator, and discusses the magazine's plans.

### Conrad Dryfoos

Talks with March about the magazine's potential to help people understand each other, and mentions his father's absence.

### Mr. Lindau

Mentioned as being modeled by Beaton as Judas Iscariot, and considered for a translator role.

## Key lines

> I hope you will think it worthwhile to take hold with us, Mr. Beaton. Mr. Fulkerson puts it in his own way, of course; but we really want to make a nice thing of the magazine.

March expresses his hope that Beaton will join the magazine team, emphasizing their desire to create a quality publication despite Fulkerson's informal approach.

_March's tentative invitation to Beaton reflects the social and professional dynamics between literary and artistic figures._

> If you can make the comfortable people understand how the uncomfortable people live, it will be a very good thing, Mr. March.

Conrad Dryfoos suggests that the magazine could bridge the gap between social classes by revealing the lives of the poor to the wealthy.

_Conrad's idealism about the magazine's social purpose contrasts with March's more aesthetic interest in picturesque low life._

## Links

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