Chapter 2, The Mind, but Not the Body Summary and Analysis

Each chapter opens with a quote from one of Roosevelt's life long favorites in literature, The Saga of King Olaf by Longfellow. The poem illustrates many aspects of Roosevelt's personality.

For much of the summer and fall of 1870, Roosevelt's dairies read as those of a nature and book loving boy. One evening in September, Roosevelt even fails to record his introduction to John Hay, who one day becomes his Secretary of State. The young man continues to grow, though fails to fill out muscularly. His doctor prescribes fresh air and exercise. Upon hearing the doctor's recommendation, Theodore Senior challenges his son to make his own body. With his characteristic determination, the younger Roosevelt begins regular visits to the gym. His father outfits a piazza at home with training equipment...