Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

The marriage of Dorothy Walker and Prescott Bush develops through the years. While Prescott deals with the pressures of running an investment bank during the Depression, Dorothy concentrates on raising their children. The Bush family lives in the Northeast in a modest home in a wealthy neighborhood. The family struggles financially during the early years of their marriage and works hard to save money to pay off their mounting debts. Prescott's possible career in politics has to be put on hold because of his large debts.

The Bush family is raised in a very competitive atmosphere. The children are pushed to compete in all fields, especially sports. Dorothy and Prescott set the standard with their own physical prowess. The children learn to compete in everything and to work hard to get what they want. At the same time, the children, especially...