A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
XII explained
March and Fulkerson prepare for the launch of Every Other Week, with Fulkerson handling publicity and March managing manuscripts.
What happens
March and Fulkerson prepare for the launch of Every Other Week, with Fulkerson handling publicity and March managing manuscripts. March resists visiting the Dryfoos family prematurely, respecting social etiquette. Later, March unexpectedly reunites with his old friend Lindau in a German restaurant, rekindling their past friendship.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the dramatic climax occurs as Beaton confronts the psychological peak of his internal conflic…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Urban vs. Rural Life
Fulkerson argues that the magazine's success depends on rural readers, not New York, highlighting the tension between urban and rural markets.
- Art and Commerce
The struggle to find an artist and design a cover illustrates the conflict between artistic vision and commercial viability.
- Family and Generational Conflict
March's decision to postpone visiting the Dryfooses reflects social etiquette and generational differences in manners.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
Works on planning the first issue of Every Other Week; decides to postpone visiting the Dryfooses out of social propriety; reunites with old friend Lindau.
- Fulkerson
Handles publicity for the magazine, generating paragraphs; suggests visiting Dryfoos; accompanies March to the restaurant where Lindau is found.
- Mr. Lindau
Old friend of March, recognized in a German restaurant; recalls their shared past in Indianapolis; reveals his wife died long ago.
- Mrs. March
Mentioned as not yet having come down; March considers her wishes regarding social visits.
- Mr. Dryfoos
Mentioned as going West tomorrow; March declines to visit him prematurely.
Key passages
“It’s the whole country that makes or breaks a thing like this; New York has very little to do with it.”
Fulkerson tells March that the magazine's success depends on national readership, not just New York.
Fulkerson's optimism about the magazine's reach beyond the city.
“Perhaps we’d better wait till Mrs. March comes down, and let things take the usual course.”
March suggests waiting for his wife before visiting the Dryfooses, to follow proper social protocol.
March's adherence to social etiquette.
“Ah‑h‑h‑h‑h, my dear poy! my gong friendt! my—my—Idt is Passil Marge, not zo?”
Lindau joyfully recognizes March after many years, exclaiming in his German-accented English.
The emotional reunion between March and Lindau.
