A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
VIII explained
Basil and Isabel March visit the Dryfoos family in their New York brownstone.
What happens
Basil and Isabel March visit the Dryfoos family in their New York brownstone. During the visit, they encounter the Dryfoos women and Mrs. Mandel, and the conversation touches on art, morality, and social differences. Fulkerson arrives with Beaton, adding to the social dynamic.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
The Marches observe the Dryfoos family's attempt to navigate New York high society, with their wealth evident but their social graces lacking, highlighting the challenges of class mobility.
Art and Commerce
March reflects on the tension between aesthetic and ethical intentions in art, while Mrs. Dryfoos condemns certain paintings and theatre performances, illustrating the clash between artistic expression and moral propriety.
Immigration and Cultural Diversity
Lindau, a German immigrant and Civil War veteran, is discussed as a potential translator, representing the diverse cultural influences in New York and the challenges of assimilation.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
Visits the Dryfoos home with his wife, reflects on his conversation with Conrad Dryfoos and the magazine staff, and observes the Dryfoos family's social awkwardness.
- Mrs. March
Accompanies her husband to the Dryfoos home, engages in conversation with Mrs. Mandel, and expresses caution about March's reconnection with Lindau.
- Mr. Dryfoos
Not present during the visit, but his wealth and the family's social ambitions are evident in the decor and conversation.
- Conrad Dryfoos
Mentioned in March's reflections; he answers the door for Fulkerson and Beaton, and is addressed by his mother during the visit.
- Christine Dryfoos
Observed by March as proud and defiant, with a sense of her sister's folly and a will to dominate.
- Mela Dryfoos
Chatters freely about local customs and theatre, showing a lack of social refinement that embarrasses her sister.
- Mrs. Mandel
Acts as a social intermediary, greeting the Marches and discussing New York life, plumbing, and malaria with ease.
- Fulkerson
Arrives with Beaton at the Dryfoos home, bringing his characteristic cheerfulness and easing the tense atmosphere.
- Angus Beaton
Arrives with Fulkerson at the Dryfoos home, though his role in the chapter is minimal.
- Mr. Lindau
Discussed by March and his wife; March defends Lindau's character and considers hiring him as a translator for the magazine.
Key passages
“I confess I was a little ashamed before him afterward for having looked at the matter so entirely from the aesthetic point of view. But of course, you know, if I went to work at those things with an ethical intention explicitly in mind, I should spoil them.”
March admits he felt embarrassed for focusing only on beauty, but explains that deliberately adding a moral message would ruin the art.
March reflects on his conversation with Conrad Dryfoos about the purpose of art.
“He was the best and kindest man I ever saw, the most high-minded, the most generous. He lost a hand in the war that helped to save us and keep us possible, and that stump of his is character enough for me.”
March defends Lindau as a noble and generous man whose sacrifice in the Civil War proves his integrity.
March reassures his wife about Lindau's character after suggesting him as a translator.
“I think it's a shame, some of the pictur's a body sees in the winders. They say there's a law ag'inst them things; and if there is, I don't understand why the police don't take up them that paints 'em.”
Mrs. Dryfoos complains about indecent paintings in shop windows and questions why the police don't arrest the artists.
Mrs. Dryfoos expresses her conservative moral views on art during the visit.
