Capitalism and Moral Compromise

Where it surfaces

• Part First

  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.

• II

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

• V

  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.

• XI

  Dryfoos's financial success through speculation and his role as the magazine's 'Angel' highlight the compromises and motivations behind capitalist ventures.

• VI

  Fulkerson's plan to appeal to women's 'sex-piety' and the focus on profit highlight the moral compromises inherent in capitalist publishing.

• Chapter X

  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.

• XII

  Lindau's tirade against millionaires and his critique of 'giving work' as a form of exploitation embody the moral conflicts of capitalism.

• XIII

  Lindau's radical hatred of millionaires contrasts with his indirect work for Dryfoos, highlighting moral contradictions in capitalism.

• XIV

  Fulkerson's pragmatic embrace of press criticisms for profit contrasts with March's initial moral outrage.

• I

  Dryfoos's character embodies the hardened speculator, focused on business training for his son and profit, while Fulkerson's deference to wealth highlights the moral compromises inherent in the magazine's venture.

• II

  Dryfoos's view of business as a game where gains are offset by losses contrasts with Conrad's idealism, highlighting the ethical tensions in commercial ventures.

• VIII

  Dryfoos's moral decay is directly linked to his shift from productive farming to speculative finance, illustrating how easy money corrupts character and values.

• IX

  Mrs. March's suspicion that Basil might truckle to the Dryfooses for professional gain underscores the moral compromises demanded by economic dependency.

• I

  Fulkerson's plan to use Dryfoos's wealth for the magazine raises questions about the intersection of commerce, ideals, and integrity.

• IV

  Lindau's passionate denunciation of capital and monopolies, and March's internal conflict about Lindau sharing in profits from Dryfoos's speculation, highlight the moral compromises inherent in capitalism.

• V

  Dryfoos's wealth from speculation is questioned by Woodburn and Lindau, reflecting the era's debate over the ethics of capitalist accumulation.

• VI

  Dryfoos's anti-union stance and Lindau's socialist critique highlight the moral compromises inherent in capitalist systems.

• VII

  March's resignation over a matter of principle versus economic necessity illustrates the moral compromises demanded by capitalism.

• VIII

  Lindau's refusal to accept money earned through speculation highlights the moral conflict between principled labor and capitalist profit.

• IX

  The conflict between Dryfoos's financial power and March's ethical stance highlights the moral compromises inherent in capitalist ventures.

• III

  Fulkerson's commercial enthusiasm for the strike as magazine material contrasts with March's philosophical critique of private wars fought at public expense.

• IV

  Dryfoos's obsession with stock market gains contrasts with his brutal treatment of his family and his contempt for the working class.

• Chapter VIII

  March critiques the economic system as a 'battle' and 'game' where people are forced to lie, cheat, and steal to survive, and where no one is secure in their work or livelihood.

• Chapter X

  Dryfoos's regret over his treatment of Lindau and his acknowledgment of 'dog eat dog' business practices illustrate the moral compromises inherent in capitalism.

• Chapter XI

  Dryfoos's worldly ambition is blamed for vexing and thwarting Conrad, and his attempt at reparation to the dead is seen as futile.

• XII

  Dryfoos's lavish funeral arrangements for Lindau, whom he had previously opposed, represent a moral compromise and a futile attempt to buy redemption.

• XVI

  Dryfoos's offer to hand over the magazine tests March's integrity and loyalty to Fulkerson, revealing the moral complexities of business partnerships.

• XVIII

  March and Fulkerson's reforms, including cutting staff and reducing payments, highlight the compromises inherent in running a business for profit.