She Made A Difference Summary

Improved Essays
In her essay, “Eleanor Roosevelt, October 11, 1884-November 7, 1962-She Made a Difference”, author Fran Burke attempts to enlighten readers of former First Lady Roosevelt’s legacy both in and out of politics. By mentioning several organizations that Eleanor was actively involved in, Burke develops Eleanor as a caring and dedicated individual. Although primarily focusing on Eleanor’s politicization, “She Made a Difference” effectively illustrates Eleanor’s humanitarian efforts and strives to convey the magnitude of the precedent she had on the role of the first lady. Burke begins the essay by quoting a New York Times article that, in essence, states that nothing “special” happened in the political world during the year of 1884. Burke argues, however, that something remarkable did happen; Anne Eleanor Roosevelt was born. By beginning her essay in a way of adoration, Burke sets the stage for an essay that give Eleanor ample amounts of recognition …show more content…
While Burke argues that Eleanor left a strong precedent on the role of the first lady, she fails to show examples of her legacy in action. In order to complete Burke’s argument, readers should be supplied with adequate information as to how first ladies after Eleanor were influenced by her work and accomplishments. Burke misses an opportunity and does not state which first ladies succeeding Eleanor also held their own press conferences. Burke’s argument could have been sufficiently stronger and more convincing if succeeding first ladies’ causes, charities, and legislation were included. Without proper evidence, solely stating that Eleanor “left a legacy” causes the legitimacy of the argument to lose a large percentage of its

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