A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
II explained
March and Fulkerson discuss the success of Every Other Week with Mr.
What happens
March and Fulkerson discuss the success of Every Other Week with Mr. Dryfoos, who expresses skepticism about the financial returns and reveals a tension with his son Conrad over worldly versus spiritual values. March later confides to his wife his unease about Dryfoos's influence and the moral compromises inherent in their partnership.
Themes in this chapter
Capitalism and Moral Compromise
Dryfoos's view of business as a game where gains are offset by losses contrasts with Conrad's idealism, highlighting the ethical tensions in commercial ventures.
Family and Generational Conflict
The disagreement between Dryfoos and his son Conrad over the value of worldly success versus spiritual integrity underscores a generational divide.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
Expresses discomfort with Dryfoos's influence and philosophizes about the moral deterioration of the self-made man.
- Fulkerson
Attempts to mediate between Dryfoos and March, using humor and flattery to smooth over tensions.
- Mr. Dryfoos
Shows skepticism about the magazine's profits and reveals a pragmatic, game-like view of business.
- Conrad Dryfoos
Quietly challenges his father's business ethics, suggesting that their enterprise does not cause others to lose.
- Mrs. March
Encourages March not to be discouraged by Dryfoos and vows to renounce him if he compromises his integrity.
Key passages
“Business is business, and a businessman takes his risks with his eyes open.”
Commerce operates by its own rules, and a prudent entrepreneur accepts the inherent uncertainties.
Dryfoos justifies his cynical view of profit as a zero-sum game.
“I don't believe a man's any better for having made money so easily and rapidly as Dryfoos has done, and I doubt if he's any wiser.”
March argues that quick wealth does not improve a person's character or intelligence.
March's critique of the moral effects of sudden riches.