preview

Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady In The White House

Decent Essays
Open Document

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” is one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s most famous quotes. She continuously proved the accuracy of these words in her daily life. She lived by these words by changing the role of the First Lady in the White House, and she changed the way society thought about women. Eleanor Roosevelt’s childhood was one of disappointment and grief. When she got older, Roosevelt grew in self- confidence under the eyes of Headmistress Marie Souevestre (Black 2). She began to invest herself into community service and volunteer in other organizations. Roosevelt became the First Lady in 1933, and she used her political standing to speak out against problems that she was concerned with (Jones 73). After …show more content…

The tension between her parents was noticeable to Roosevelt at an early age, and Roosevelt often felt like it was her job to make her mother happy (Black 1). Her mother never returned this love and care to Roosevelt (Jones 7). Her mother nicknamed her “Granny” because of Roosevelt’s shy disposition and would call Roosevelt that in front of her friends (Jones 7). Her mother once told Roosevelt, “You have no looks, so see to it that you have manners” (Jones 7). The differences between Roosevelt and her mother made her closer to her father (Jones 8). Roosevelt adored her father, and he called her “little Nell” (Jones 8). Elliot was very charming and people were often drawn to him, but he suffered from depression and consequently drank heavily (Jones 5). Eleanor’s father’s drinking got so bad that he had to move away from the family (Jones 9). Just before Christmas, her mother died of diphtheria; Roosevelt and her two brothers were sent to their Grandmother’s house, and Roosevelt’s father’s drinking worsened due to the death of his wife (Jones 10, 11, 12). Roosevelt and her father sent letters back and forth to keep in touch, and her father promised Roosevelt that there would be a day when they would see each other again (Jones 14). Roosevelt found refuge at her Uncle Teddy’s (Theodore Roosevelt) house (Jones 13). Her uncle made Eleanor feel loved after all the sadness and disappointment she faced at a young age (Jones 13). Elliot Jr., Roosevelt’s youngest brother, died from scarlett fever and diphtheria in May of 1893 (Jones 14). For Roosevelt’s father, this was the final straw; Elliot Roosevelt (Roosevelt’s father) died on August 14, 1894 (Jones 15). Roosevelt’s childhood was harsh and filled with grief and disappointment, but as she got older she was able to become more independent and find happiness in her

Get Access