Chapter 17, The Dear Old Beloved Brother Summary and Analysis

As Roosevelt fears, his brother Elliot begins to suffer from alcoholism, starting in his late teens. When Elliot begins to suffer from seizures, he turns to alcohol. In his early twenties, following a sports injury, he also discovers painkillers. The result is a heavily addicted man that worries his wife and brother.

To attempt to heal himself, Elliot takes his family to Europe. Shortly after their arrival, he writes that his wife is expecting. They settle in, for her health becomes quite delicate. At the same time, Roosevelt learns that another woman in New York City claims to be carrying Elliot's child. The woman demands hush money from the family.

Roosevelt sees alcoholism as a sickness. Therefore, he feels his brother was insane when he slept with the woman, Katy Mann...