Study Questions
1. During her "years alone" Eleanor Roosevelt continued to be an important presence in American life. What did she do on a day-to-day basis to present her views to the public? What was her attitude toward Joseph McCarthy and his brand of anti-communism?
2. As a delegate to the United Nations Eleanor Roosevelt showed great sympathy toward the refugees, displaced by the turmoil of the recent war. How did she express that sympathy in the debate about the refugees, and how did she make contact with actual refugees?
3. Arguably the most important public document of the twentieth century is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Remarkably, in an age when many nations did not even allow women to vote, and when women's rights were sharply curtailed in the United States, it was a woman, Eleanor Roosevelt who presided over the drafting of this document. What was Eleanor's contribution to the document (a) as an astute committee chairperson presiding over a diverse and sometimes cantankerous collection of delegates, and (b) as an idealist who believed deeply in the importance of the document.
4. During her final years Eleanor Roosevelt remained active in public affairs. In what ways did she express her ideas in Democratic politics and in meeting with foreign statesmen? What was the importance of David Gurewitsch for Eleanor during these Years?
5. After Eleanor Roosevelt's death many thoughtful statements were written celebrating her life. Adli Stevenson wrote one: "She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness, and her glow has warmed the world." Which of the epitaphs cited in this chapter do you consider most appropriate?
6. In what ways does Eleanor Roosevelt's Statement, "Behind tranquility lies conquered happiness," suggest the central struggle of Eleanor's own life?
7. What is J. William T. Young's own attitude towards Eleanor Roosevelt, as revealed in these pages?
8. What epitaph would you write for Eleanor Roosevelt?
1. During her "years alone" Eleanor Roosevelt continued to be an important presence in American life. What did she do on a day-to-day basis to present her views to the public? What was her attitude toward Joseph McCarthy and his brand of anti-communism?
2. As a delegate to the United Nations Eleanor Roosevelt showed great sympathy toward the refugees, displaced by the turmoil of the recent war. How did she express that sympathy in the debate about the refugees, and how did she make contact with actual refugees?
3. Arguably the most important public document of the twentieth century is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Remarkably, in an age when many nations did not even allow women to vote, and when women's rights were sharply curtailed in the United States, it was a woman, Eleanor Roosevelt who presided over the drafting of this document. What was Eleanor's contribution to the document (a) as an astute committee chairperson presiding over a diverse and sometimes cantankerous collection of delegates, and (b) as an idealist who believed deeply in the importance of the document.
4. During her final years Eleanor Roosevelt remained active in public affairs. In what ways did she express her ideas in Democratic politics and in meeting with foreign statesmen? What was the importance of David Gurewitsch for Eleanor during these Years?
5. After Eleanor Roosevelt's death many thoughtful statements were written celebrating her life. Adli Stevenson wrote one: "She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness, and her glow has warmed the world." Which of the epitaphs cited in this chapter do you consider most appropriate?
6. In what ways does Eleanor Roosevelt's Statement, "Behind tranquility lies conquered happiness," suggest the central struggle of Eleanor's own life?
7. What is J. William T. Young's own attitude towards Eleanor Roosevelt, as revealed in these pages?
8. What epitaph would you write for Eleanor Roosevelt?