# Family and Generational Conflict in A Hazard of New Fortunes

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

The Dryfoos family illustrates the clash between old and new values, as Conrad's idealism and desire for a religious life conflict with his father's materialistic ambitions, while the March family navigates the challenges of raising children in a changing urban environment.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-ii): The March family dynamics are highlighted, with Isabel's strong influence on Basil's decision and the children's presence reflecting generational roles.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-iii): The Marches consider the impact of a potential move on their children's education and social activities, showing how family considerations shape major life decisions.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-vi): The Marches' anxiety about leaving their children and their differing emotional responses to the move illustrate family dynamics and generational tension.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-vii): The Marches discuss leaving their children behind in Boston, reflecting the tensions between family responsibilities and personal or professional moves.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-ix): March's critique of flats emphasizes the loss of family cohesion and the 'negation of motherhood' in modern urban housing.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-xi): The pressure from Dryfoos's daughters to sell the farm and his son Conrad's thwarted desire to study for the ministry reveal generational and familial tensions over values and life choices.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-xii): March's decision to postpone visiting the Dryfooses reflects social etiquette and generational differences in manners.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-iii): Beaton's father, a tombstone-cutter, sends a pleading letter and a small check, highlighting the tension between Beaton's artistic ambitions and his family's expectations and financial struggles.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-i): Dryfoos's domination over Conrad, who wanted to be a preacher but is forced into business, illustrates the tension between paternal expectations and filial aspirations.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-ii): The disagreement between Dryfoos and his son Conrad over the value of worldly success versus spiritual integrity underscores a generational divide.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-iii): Dryfoos and his wife argue about their children's choices, especially Conrad's desire to help the poor and Christine's interest in Beaton, revealing deep generational and value-based divides.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-viii): The growing rift between Dryfoos and his son Conrad over priorities—money versus charity—highlights the generational divide in values and purpose.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-viii): The Marches' discussion with their children about possibly returning to Boston reveals generational expectations and the tension between parental principles and family aspirations.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-iv): The chapter centers on the violent clash between Dryfoos and his children, Christine and Conrad, over authority, values, and personal autonomy.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-v): Conrad's sympathy for the strikers contrasts with his father's views, and his thoughts of reconciliation with his father are cut short by his death.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-vi): The Dryfoos family's grief is compounded by the loss of Conrad, the son who represented a different path from his father's materialistic values.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-vii): Conrad's thwarted desire to be a minister and his father's pressure to become a businessman illustrate the generational clash over values and vocation.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-viii): Christine's estrangement from her father and the Dryfoos family's grief over Conrad's death highlight tensions within the family across generations.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-ix): Fulkerson and March discuss the strained relationship between Dryfoos and his son Conrad, highlighting the conflict between business and personal convictions.
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-x): Dryfoos's grief over Conrad's death and his realization that he crossed his son in matters of belief highlight the generational conflict between father and son.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xi): March's conversation with his son Tom about Lindau's cause highlights generational differences in understanding social issues and moral responsibility.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xii): Dryfoos's attempt to atone for Conrad's death through Lindau's funeral highlights the unresolved tensions between father and son, and the generational divide in values.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xiii): Dryfoos's grief over Conrad's death and his regret over stopping Conrad from becoming a preacher illustrate generational tension and parental control.

## Links

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