Chapter 24

Summary

• The chapter is set in Washington D.C. on May 14, 1933 and is narrated by Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States.
• Eleanor talks about the expectations and restrictions that come with her role as the First Lady, including household management duties and the lack of opportunities for her to be politically active.
• To make space for her own interests, she creates a routine that involves meeting with important staff members and working on projects close to her heart, like writing articles and books and planning activities that promote her causes.
• Eleanor innovates the role of the First Lady by holding her own press conferences exclusively for women reporters, a suggestion made by her friend, Hick.
• She is interrupted by Mrs. Helm, her social secretary, about an unscheduled visit. The First Lady meets this guest, a woman of colour, despite Mrs. Helm's objection.
• The guest turns out to be Mary, a friend and social activist, with whom Eleanor discusses the state of the country and her role as the First Lady.
• Eleanor expresses her desire to help women and the coloured community and looks for ideas from Mary. Mary affirms the need for assistance and appreciates Eleanor’s approach, suggesting they can work together to ensure the New Deal benefits everyone.