# Capitalism and Moral Compromise in A Hazard of New Fortunes

> Theme guide for A Hazard of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [Part First](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/a-hazard-of-new-fortunes): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-ii): March's consideration of leaving his insurance job for a risky magazine venture touches on moral compromises within capitalist structures.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-xi): Dryfoos's financial success through speculation and his role as the magazine's 'Angel' highlight the compromises and motivations behind capitalist ventures.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xii): Lindau's tirade against millionaires and his critique of 'giving work' as a form of exploitation embody the moral conflicts of capitalism.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xiii): Lindau's radical hatred of millionaires contrasts with his indirect work for Dryfoos, highlighting moral contradictions in capitalism.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xiv): Fulkerson's pragmatic embrace of press criticisms for profit contrasts with March's initial moral outrage.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-ix): Mrs. March's suspicion that Basil might truckle to the Dryfooses for professional gain underscores the moral compromises demanded by economic dependency.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-i): Fulkerson's plan to use Dryfoos's wealth for the magazine raises questions about the intersection of commerce, ideals, and integrity.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-v): Dryfoos's wealth from speculation is questioned by Woodburn and Lindau, reflecting the era's debate over the ethics of capitalist accumulation.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-vi): Dryfoos's anti-union stance and Lindau's socialist critique highlight the moral compromises inherent in capitalist systems.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-vii): March's resignation over a matter of principle versus economic necessity illustrates the moral compromises demanded by capitalism.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-viii): Lindau's refusal to accept money earned through speculation highlights the moral conflict between principled labor and capitalist profit.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-ix): The conflict between Dryfoos's financial power and March's ethical stance highlights the moral compromises inherent in capitalist ventures.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xviii): March and Fulkerson's reforms, including cutting staff and reducing payments, highlight the compromises inherent in running a business for profit.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/themes/capitalism_and_moral_compromise
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/themes