Pressure of Public Opinion

Alice describes to her readers her discomfort with public opinion not only before her husband becomes president but also the way these opinions are magnified when one is in a powerful position. Situations in which Alice feared the public was judging her before she and Charlie were married are contrasted with the weight of public opinion the feel in the White House so that the reader can understand how much stress the public can put on a political figure.

Before she and Charlie are married, Alice worries about the typical things that might draw unwanted attention to them. She does not want Charlie to spend the night with her before they are married even though they are sleeping together. Because of her old-fashioned views one of Alice’s boyfriends called her a prude. Charlie, however, humors her oddity.

Something that becomes an issue...