A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
VII explained
Margaret Vance visits the Dryfoos sisters, attempting to be kind and genuine.
What happens
Margaret Vance visits the Dryfoos sisters, attempting to be kind and genuine. She discusses music and banjos with Christine and Mela, who share stories about their life in the natural-gas country. Margaret invites them to a concert at her aunt's, and the sisters react with a mix of suspicion and pleasure. Afterward, Margaret reflects on her motives and hopes she has not flattered them.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Margaret's visit and invitation to the Dryfoos sisters illustrate the tension between old-money gentility and new wealth from natural gas.
Urban vs. Rural Life
The Dryfoos sisters contrast their rural natural-gas country with New York City, bragging about Moffitt's civilization.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Vance
Visits the Dryfoos sisters out of a desire to do good, struggles with sincerity, and invites them to a concert.
- Christine Dryfoos
Receives Margaret's visit, discusses learning the banjo, and shares memories of the natural-gas country.
- Mela Dryfoos
Engages in conversation with Margaret, laughs coarsely, and shows childlike joy at the invitation.
- Angus Beaton
Mentioned as having lent the banjo to the Dryfoos sisters and planning to choose a new one for Christine.
Key passages
“Margaret Vance tried to give herself some reason for going to call upon the Dryfooses, but she could find none better than the wish to do a kind thing.”
Margaret Vance struggled to justify her visit to the Dryfooses, settling on a desire to be kind.
Highlights Margaret's internal conflict about her motives.
“My luck always seems to be at the bottom of the heap. Now, Christine, she's more like you. I believe she could walk right up blindfolded and put her hand on the thing she wants every time.”
Mela says her luck is always worst, while Christine can always find what she wants effortlessly.
Illustrates the sisters' contrasting personalities.