# IV explained — A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

## What happens

Beaton, feeling distrusted by Dryfoos, enjoys Christine's interest in him but is conflicted about his feelings. He visits the Leightons, where he interacts with Alma Leighton and Miss Woodburn, discussing art, the Dryfooses, and Fulkerson's magazine. Beaton reveals his disdain for the Dryfooses' wealth, while Alma criticizes his habit of studying people. The chapter ends with Beaton leaving for a reception.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Commerce

Beaton's disdain for the Dryfooses' money contrasts with his artistic pursuits, and the magazine Every Other Week represents the intersection of art and business.

### Social Class and Mobility

The Dryfooses' nouveau riche status and Beaton's conflicted attraction to Christine highlight class tensions and social climbing.

## Character check-ins

### Angus Beaton

Visits the Leightons, discusses his feelings about the Dryfooses and his artistic interests.

### Alma Leighton

Engages in a critical conversation with Beaton about his behavior and the Dryfooses.

### Miss Woodburn

Interacts with Beaton and Fulkerson, discussing Southern ideals and the magazine.

### Fulkerson

Present at the Leightons', amusing the young ladies and discussing the magazine.

## Key lines

> It was clear to Beaton that Dryfoos distrusted him; and the fact heightened his pleasure in Christine’s liking for him.

Beaton realized Dryfoos didn't trust him, which made him enjoy Christine's interest even more.

_Beaton's awareness of Dryfoos's distrust and his reaction to Christine's favor._

> He found himself very happy in his present relations with her. She had dropped that barrier of pretences and ironical surprise.

Beaton was pleased that Alma had stopped being pretentious and sarcastic with him.

_Beaton's satisfaction with his improved relationship with Alma._

> I like to think that there is one soul uncontaminated by the sense of money in this big, brutal, sordid city.

Beaton values the idea that someone remains untouched by the obsession with money in New York.

_Beaton's romanticized view of purity in a materialistic world._

## Links

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