The Sport of the Gods · Chapter
VII: In New York explained
The Hamiltons arrive in New York and find lodging with Mrs.
What happens
The Hamiltons arrive in New York and find lodging with Mrs. Jones, a welcoming boardinghouse keeper. Joe is quickly seduced by the city's energy and glamour, while Kitty remains more grounded and critical. They meet Mr. William Thomas, a boastful local who tries to impress them with his knowledge of the city. Joe begins to adopt a new, worldly attitude, distancing himself from his family's past troubles.
Themes in this chapter
False Ideals and Ambition
Joe's infatuation with New York's surface glamour and his desire to emulate the confident young men reflect a dangerous ambition that blinds him to his family's real struggles and his father's unjust imprisonment.
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Joe begins to pretend insensitivity to his former values, a process the narrator warns leads to moral decay. He forgets pity for his father and feels pride in his new callousness, illustrating self-deception.
Characters to notice
- Joe Hamilton
Joe is captivated by New York, feeling envy toward the confident young men on the streets and a desire to become part of the city's life. He drinks beer against his mother's wishes and begins to forget pity for his imprisoned father.
- Kitty Hamilton
Kitty remains composed and critical, unimpressed by the city's superficial glamour. She values her own traditions and self-respect, and finds Mr. Thomas 'fresh.' She sings for the group with shyness.
- Fannie Hamilton
Fannie is cautious and reflective, feeling alone and frightened by New York's size and potential wickedness. She is relieved that no one knows their past trouble, but worries about her children's exposure to city life.
- Mr. Thomas
Mr. Thomas is a loquacious, self-confident porter who boasts about New York's attractions. He offers to show Joe around and is openly admiring of Kitty, but is rebuffed by her coolness.
- Mrs. Jones
Mrs. Jones is the proprietress of the boardinghouse, a 'big yellow woman' with a good-natured manner. She welcomes the Hamiltons and arranges for them to stay, using her kitchen until they decide on a flat.
Key passages
“The subtle, insidious wine of New York will begin to intoxicate him. Then, if he be wise, he will go away, anyplace—yes, he will even go over to Jersey. But if he be a fool, he will stay and stay on until the town becomes all in all to him; until the very streets are his chums and certain buildings and corners his best friends.”
New York's allure is like a slow poison; a wise person would leave before it takes hold, but a fool stays until the city becomes his entire world.
The narrator warns of the city's dangerous charm, which can lead to moral and spiritual ruin.
“Whom the Gods wish to destroy they first make mad. The first sign of the demoralisation of the provincial who comes to New York is his pride at his insensibility to certain impressions which used to influence him at home.”
Those destined for ruin are first driven to madness; a newcomer's first step toward corruption is taking pride in no longer being moved by things that once mattered.
This classical allusion underscores Joe's growing moral blindness and the theme of self-deception.