A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
I explained
Fulkerson envisions a grand banquet to celebrate the success of Every Other Week, but his plans are delayed by the absence of the elder Dryfoos.
What happens
Fulkerson envisions a grand banquet to celebrate the success of Every Other Week, but his plans are delayed by the absence of the elder Dryfoos. March observes Fulkerson's complex attitude toward Dryfoos—a mix of bewilderment and respect for his luck and business acumen. Dryfoos visits March's office, discussing his son Conrad's business training and his family's adjustment to New York, while avoiding direct talk about the magazine.
Themes in this chapter
Capitalism and Moral Compromise
Dryfoos's character embodies the hardened speculator, focused on business training for his son and profit, while Fulkerson's deference to wealth highlights the moral compromises inherent in the magazine's venture.
Family and Generational Conflict
Dryfoos's domination over Conrad, who wanted to be a preacher but is forced into business, illustrates the tension between paternal expectations and filial aspirations.
Urban vs. Rural Life
Dryfoos's praise of the West and his family's adjustment to New York reflect the contrast between rural origins and urban sophistication.
Characters to notice
- Fulkerson
Enthusiastically plans a series of banquets for Every Other Week's success, but is daunted by Dryfoos's absence and authority.
- Basil March
Observes Fulkerson's deference to Dryfoos and feels discomfort during Dryfoos's visit, noting the old man's avoidance of magazine talk.
- Mr. Dryfoos
Visits March's office, discusses his son's business training and family's move to New York, but avoids discussing Every Other Week directly.
- Conrad Dryfoos
Present during his father's visit, patiently endures his father's comments about his business training and earlier desire to be a preacher.
Key passages
“The scheme of a banquet to celebrate the initial success of Every Other Week expanded in Fulkerson’s fancy into a series.”
Fulkerson's idea for a single banquet grew into a plan for multiple events.
Highlights Fulkerson's ambitious and expansive vision for the magazine's celebration.
“He said the thing was a new departure in magazines; it amounted to something in literature as radical as the American Revolution in politics: it was the idea of self government in the arts.”
Fulkerson claimed the magazine was a revolutionary step in literature, akin to the American Revolution, promoting artistic self-governance.
Illustrates Fulkerson's grandiose rhetoric and the perceived novelty of Every Other Week.
“Dryfoos daunted him somehow; and besides the homage which those who have not pay to those who have, Fulkerson rendered Dryfoos the tribute of a feeling which March could only define as a sort of bewilderment.”
March noticed that Dryfoos intimidated Fulkerson, who showed a mix of deference and confusion toward the wealthy man.
Reveals the power dynamic between Fulkerson and Dryfoos, rooted in wealth and success.