Study Questions
1. Franklin Roosevelt's polio influenced the course of his life and of Eleanor's. Francis Perkins said that being crippled gave Franklin "humility of spirit and a deeper philosophy." What evidence do you see in this chapter to support this statement?
2. Her husband's polio required Eleanor to be more active and self-reliant as a parent. What are some examples of the new domestic roles she filled and talents she developed?
3. During the 1920s Eleanor Roosevelt also became much more active in public life. What was her role in the Democratic Party, the League of Women Voters, the Women's Trade Union League, the Val-Kill furniture factory, and the Todhunter School?
4. With these activities Eleanor began to develop a political philosophy and a set of positions on important policy issues of her time. What was her position on the World Court, child labor, and women playing roles in public life? What did she think of women who held that public life was properly a sphere for men only?
5. Eleanor Roosevelt also came into contact with other women who were active in the world. Who were these women and what values did they share with Eleanor?
6. In 1928 Franklin Roosevelt reentered politics. How did the events of that year affect the fortunes of his friend Al Smith and Franklin himself? What did Eleanor fear she would lose in becoming the First lady of New York?
7. How did Eleanor and Franklin function as partners-both domestically and politically-during his tenure as governor of New York? How accurately did Eleanor characterize their marriage int he interview published at that time, "What Is a Wife's Job Today?"
8. How did Eleanor Roosevelt experience the possibility of becoming the First Lady of the land? Why was she so apprehensive about the prospect?
1. Franklin Roosevelt's polio influenced the course of his life and of Eleanor's. Francis Perkins said that being crippled gave Franklin "humility of spirit and a deeper philosophy." What evidence do you see in this chapter to support this statement?
2. Her husband's polio required Eleanor to be more active and self-reliant as a parent. What are some examples of the new domestic roles she filled and talents she developed?
3. During the 1920s Eleanor Roosevelt also became much more active in public life. What was her role in the Democratic Party, the League of Women Voters, the Women's Trade Union League, the Val-Kill furniture factory, and the Todhunter School?
4. With these activities Eleanor began to develop a political philosophy and a set of positions on important policy issues of her time. What was her position on the World Court, child labor, and women playing roles in public life? What did she think of women who held that public life was properly a sphere for men only?
5. Eleanor Roosevelt also came into contact with other women who were active in the world. Who were these women and what values did they share with Eleanor?
6. In 1928 Franklin Roosevelt reentered politics. How did the events of that year affect the fortunes of his friend Al Smith and Franklin himself? What did Eleanor fear she would lose in becoming the First lady of New York?
7. How did Eleanor and Franklin function as partners-both domestically and politically-during his tenure as governor of New York? How accurately did Eleanor characterize their marriage int he interview published at that time, "What Is a Wife's Job Today?"
8. How did Eleanor Roosevelt experience the possibility of becoming the First Lady of the land? Why was she so apprehensive about the prospect?
