Part 1, Chapter 5 Metamorphosis Summary

In May 1870, the Roosevelts returned to the United States. That summer news came from France that there was war with Prussia. Although Bamie was safe, the family was troubled. Teedie also experienced a decline in his health. By the time fighting broke out in France, Bamie was safe in England with Uncle James Bulloch.

During this time Theodore decided that Teedie must help himself by building up his body. Teedie and Elliott began attending Wood's Gymnasium for daily workouts. Three months later, the family equipped their own back piazza with the required apparatus and weights. Teedie appears to have embraced it positively. Yet, his progress was slow, and he remained undersized and underweight. His overall health seemed to improve.

During the summers of 1871 and 1872, Theodore rented country houses in the hills along the Hudson River. The time was almost...