# How does A Hazard of New Fortunes develop the theme of Capitalism and Moral Compromise?

> A Hazard of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells

## Answer

A Hazard of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells develops Capitalism and Moral Compromise across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The narrative examines how the pursuit of wealth and success in a capitalist society forces characters to compromise their ideals, as seen in March's unease with Dryfoos's money and Fulkerson's pragmatic maneuvering, and in Lindau's radical critique of economic inequality.

The magazine is funded by Dryfoos's natural gas fortune, built on ruthless business practices, forcing March to confront the moral compromises inherent in accepting such patronage.

March's consideration of leaving his insurance job for a risky magazine venture touches on moral compromises within capitalist structures.

March faces a choice between a secure but demeaning corporate promotion and a riskier but more authentic literary venture, reflecting the moral compromises of commercial life.

## Evidence

- [a-hazard-of-new-fortunes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/a-hazard-of-new-fortunes.md): The magazine is funded by Dryfoos's natural gas fortune, built on ruthless business practices, forcing March to confront the moral compromises inherent in accepting such patronage.
- [part-first-ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-ii.md): March's consideration of leaving his insurance job for a risky magazine venture touches on moral compromises within capitalist structures.
- [part-first-v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-v.md): March faces a choice between a secure but demeaning corporate promotion and a riskier but more authentic literary venture, reflecting the moral compromises of commercial life.
- [part-first-xi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-xi.md): Dryfoos's financial success through speculation and his role as the magazine's 'Angel' highlight the compromises and motivations behind capitalist ventures.
- [part-second-vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-vi.md): Fulkerson's plan to appeal to women's 'sex-piety' and the focus on profit highlight the moral compromises inherent in capitalist publishing.
- [part-second-x](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-x.md): The Colonel's critique of commercialism as corrupting gentlemanly feelings and Beaton's bitterness about being 'bought up' highlight the moral compromises inherent in capitalism.
- [part-second-xii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xii.md): Lindau's tirade against millionaires and his critique of 'giving work' as a form of exploitation embody the moral conflicts of capitalism.
- [part-second-xiii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xiii.md): Lindau's radical hatred of millionaires contrasts with his indirect work for Dryfoos, highlighting moral contradictions in capitalism.

## Links

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