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Cover of The World of Chance

The World of Chance

Written by William Dean Howells

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Man-woman relationshipsNew York (N.Y.)NovelistsPublishers and publishing

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About this book

"The World of Chance" by William Dean Howells is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Ray, a young man who has just left Midland behind to seek his fortune in New York City, filled with aspirations of becoming a successful author. As he navigates the challenges of the bustling metropolis, Ray grapples with his past and the uncertainty of his future, placing a heavy reliance on the success of the novel he is carrying with him. The beginning of the novel introduces Ray after a farewell dinner in Midland, where he reflects on his life, recent changes, and the support he has received from friends and colleagues. While on his journey to New York, he becomes invested in the lives of two young women he observes on the train, demonstrating his capacity for empathy and kindness. The narrative shifts from his inner thoughts to his interactions with the bustling city, where he contemplates his literary ambitions and the social landscape that awaits him. As he settles into the life of a hopeful author, Ray's experiences highlight both the excitement of new beginnings and the realities of pursuing a career in literature amidst the vibrant chaos of urban life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The World of Chance, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • observational
  • thought-provoking
  • somber

William Dean Howells' "The World of Chance" explores the intricate interplay between human will and accidental circumstance through the journey of Percy Bysshe AmES, an idealistic young writer from rural New England. Arriving in New York with the manuscript of his utopian novel, AmES navigates the bewildering complexities of urban life, the publishing world, and a burgeoning social reform movement. The novel scrutinizes the American belief in self-determination, suggesting that the seemingly random events of life often dictate outcomes more profoundly than individual intentions. It is a keen observation of late 19th-century American society, marked by both its aspirations and its stark class divisions.

“"The world of chance, indeed! It seemed to him that he had been living in it ever since he came to New York."”

Key themes

Chance vs. Determinism
The central theme of the novel, exploring the extent to which human lives are shaped by random, unpredictable events ('chance') versus deliberate choices, societal structures, or an underlying fate ('determinism'). Howells suggests that chance often plays a far more significant role than individuals or idealists might acknowledge.
Idealism vs. Realism
The novel sharply contrasts the romantic idealism of Percy AmES and the utopian aspirations of various reformers with the harsh, often unyielding realities of urban poverty, human nature, and the publishing world. Howells, a champion of realism, critiques the impracticality and potential dangers of abstract ideals when detached from empirical observation and practical action.
Social Class and Poverty
Howells meticulously details the stark class divisions and pervasive poverty in late 19th-century New York. The novel exposes the grim realities faced by the working poor and the often-patronizing or ineffective attempts of the wealthy to alleviate suffering, highlighting systemic inequalities.

Worth discussing

To what extent does Howells argue that 'chance' truly dictates human lives, versus individual will or societal structures?

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