A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
XIV explained
The Marches initially fear the magazine has failed due to harsh press reviews, but Fulkerson reveals it is a booming success.
What happens
The Marches initially fear the magazine has failed due to harsh press reviews, but Fulkerson reveals it is a booming success. The chapter also covers interactions at the Leightons' home, including Alma sketching Miss Woodburn and discussions about Colonel Woodburn's manuscript.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Commerce
The magazine's success hinges on Beaton's stylish illustrations, blending artistic quality with commercial appeal.
Capitalism and Moral Compromise
Fulkerson's pragmatic embrace of press criticisms for profit contrasts with March's initial moral outrage.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
Initially despondent over press criticisms, then relieved and joking about the magazine's success.
- Mrs. March
Shares her husband's anxiety but quickly shifts to exultation and planning how to spend future profits.
- Fulkerson
Reveals the magazine's success, praises Beaton's illustrations, and discusses Colonel Woodburn's manuscript.
- Alma Leighton
Sketches Miss Woodburn and asserts control over her artwork, refusing to let it be printed.
- Miss Woodburn
Playfully demands glory and poses for Alma's sketch, joking about appearing as 'the head of Slavery.'
- Colonel Woodburn
Reluctantly agrees to submit his manuscript but objects to his daughter's portrait being printed.
Key passages
“The more March thought of the injustice of the New York press (which had not, however, attacked the literary quality of the number) the more bitterly he resented it; and his wife's indignation superheated his own.”
March grew angrier about the press's unfairness, and his wife's anger made his even stronger.
Highlights the couple's shared emotional reaction to the reviews.
“I mean that the first number is a booming success already, and that it's going to a hundred thousand before it stops.”
Fulkerson announces that the first issue is a huge success and will sell even more copies.
Key turning point revealing the magazine's triumph.
“Well, Ah think Ah maght have some of the glory, Miss Woodburn pouted. Where am Ah comin' in?”
Miss Woodburn playfully complains that she deserves some credit for the magazine's success.
Shows her desire for recognition and her flirtatious dynamic with Fulkerson.