# Chapter X explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## What happens

Colonel Woodburn critiques commercialism and its effect on art and morality, while Beaton struggles with his own artistic integrity and his feelings for Alma Leighton. Beaton returns Alma's design and they agree to a purely business relationship.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Commerce

Colonel Woodburn argues that art is subjugated to commercial values, and Beaton's internal conflict reflects the tension between artistic integrity and financial necessity.

### Capitalism and Moral Compromise

The Colonel's critique of commercialism as corrupting gentlemanly feelings and Beaton's bitterness about being 'bought up' highlight the moral compromises inherent in capitalism.

## Character check-ins

### Angus Beaton

Feels sick of himself and his life, bitter about being bought up by Fulkerson, and conflicted about his feelings for Alma. He returns her design and agrees to a business-only relationship.

### Alma Leighton

Receives Beaton coldly, treats their interaction as purely business, and shows no romantic interest in him.

### Colonel Woodburn

Argues that commercialism corrupts society and art, defends the idealized Southern system, and discusses the South's material progress.

### Miss Woodburn

Teases her father about his hobbyhorse and comments on the commercialism affecting his book.

### Mrs. Leighton

Feels hurt on Alma's behalf when Beaton leaves for a reception, and listens to Colonel Woodburn's arguments.

## Key lines

> How can a businessman, whose prosperity, whose earthly salvation, necessarily lies in the adversity of someone else, be delicate and chivalrous, or even honest?

Colonel Woodburn argues that a businessman's success depends on others' failure, making it impossible for him to be truly honorable.

_Highlights the theme of capitalism and moral compromise._

> The final reward of art is money, and not the pleasure of creating.

Colonel Woodburn asserts that in a commercial society, art is valued only for its monetary return, not for the joy of creation.

_Illustrates the conflict between art and commerce._

## Links

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