Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

Three weeks have passed since FDR felt the first pains of polio. Confined to bed as his physician works to determine the scope of his condition, FDR has suffered the physical and emotional pain associated with this overwhelming situation.

Louie Howe, FDR's trusted advisor, has arrived as moral support for his old friend.

According to the physician attending FDR at this remote Canadian location, the paralysis should be only temporary with a full recovery almost certain.

Sara Roosevelt, FDR's mother, has cut short her trip to England in order to travel to Campobello to be near her son. Her disbelief and fear of the severity of FDR's condition throws her into an authoritative mode and she clashes with Mr. Howe, who is just as strong-willed on his stance that Franklin continue his career in politics.

Although Howe and Sara do not...