Edmund Morris: The Rise Of Theodore Roosevelt

Great Essays
The critically acclaimed biography, “The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt” by Edmund Morris, captures the early life of Roosevelt from a unique perspective which gives the audience a significant insight on his ascendance to the presidency. Edmund Morris does an extraordinary task of describing Roosevelt’s life by focusing on detail. Morris is most widely known for his biographies on U.S Presidents, born in Kenya on May 27th, 1940. “The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt” was published in 1979, soon after, it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award in 1980. Edmund Morris is infamous for his biography “Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan”, where he includes fictional characters in an attempt to enhance character development. This biography …show more content…
A sickly child, weighed down with asthma and other ailments, the young Roosevelt remained bedridden for a time. This sedentary life surely stoked the fires of the endless pursuit for knowledge. It also helped Teddy develop a strong foundational interest in family. As a young man, when he met and married young Alice Lee, Roosevelt dedicated himself to his bride and sought to keep her abreast of his activities. As with many politicians (even today), the need for a dutiful wife who allows a husband to also delve into the political world forced Lee to accept Teddy 's busy life. Teddy 's life took on a new direction when Alice announced she was with child, forcing the young Roosevelt to prepare for the busy life of fatherhood. When, two days after the birth of his daughter, Roosevelt suffered the double inequity of Alice 's death as well as that of his mother, Roosevelt entered a slump that no past familial foundation could cure. Morris explores how Roosevelt dedicated himself to new adventures, perhaps to bury the pain, in hopes of finding himself anew. An old flame, Edith Carow, returned to his life and soon they rekindle the love they shared, helping to pull Roosevelt from his slump. Married for a second time, Roosevelt soon becomes a father numerous times over and this rejuvenation helps him become the family man he strove to become, matching Theodore Roosevelt Senior (eventually 'the first …show more content…
Seeing its manifestation at an early age, Roosevelt watched his father negotiate through some of New York City 's power brokers and how the game was played, its rule constantly changing. Winning office at a young age, Roosevelt sought to effect change of his own with his quick wit and attention to detail. While not always successful in his political ventures, he made a name for himself and did persuade many to follow his lead. Morris explains that Roosevelt stepped out of his father 's shadow and forged new ground, all in an attempt to make a name for himself and better represent those within the GOP with strong ideas and reformist ways. His desire to look for new ways to tackle old issues helped develop his reform ideological stance, which was not always embraced openly by New Yorkers, voters and politicians alike. Yet, as Morris explores, these views never stopped gaining momentum and Roosevelt soon became a man to watch and a king maker in key state and national

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