# II explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-ii
- 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