Who Julius Beaufort is
Julius Beaufort belongs to a social world where family history and reputation carry considerable weight. He is wealthy, but his background is doubtful, and society accepts him more readily than it trusts him. His lavish entertaining places him among people whose lives are governed by strict, unwritten rules.
Julius Beaufort and the others in the story
At a ball given by the Beauforts, Newland Archer presses to make his engagement to May Welland public. The occasion connects Beaufort's entertaining with a central step in Archer's carefully approved social life.
The old families judge which invitations to accept, where people should live, and whom they should marry. Beaufort's place among them shows that being received by this circle is not the same as being trusted.
Questions
Who is Julius Beaufort?
Julius Beaufort is a wealthy banker who entertains lavishly in New York society.
Is Julius Beaufort trusted by society?
Not fully, his background is doubtful, even though society accepts him.
How is Beaufort connected to Newland Archer?
Archer presses to announce his engagement to May Welland at a ball hosted by the Beauforts.
