Chapter 4, The Swell in the Dog-Cart Summary and Analysis

Though Alice Lee quickly catches young Roosevelt's eye, she also garners praise from many other would-be suitors. The author points out, though, that Roosevelt's quick love for Alice extinguishes any romantic feelings he felt for Edith Carow. Instead, he pursues Alice with the same single-mindedness he directs at hunting and science. He makes remarks in his diary, pleading for his God's help in maintaining his high morals, especially out of respect for his father's memory.

Despite his pursuit of Alice, Roosevelt also maintains his studies and social life. In academics, Roosevelt begins to show a political side. Such studies attract Roosevelt, due in part to his hesitation to spend the requisite three years studying abroad that his natural history major requires. For her part, Alice Lee also supports a major in...