# XIV explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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