Alvin and Herman

The Plot Against America

Herman’s efforts to guide Alvin collide with Alvin’s resistance, ending in anger, injury, and separation.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Guardian’s Hope A Guardian’s Hope from "The Plot Against America". A Guardian’s Hope A second chance Herman takes in Alvin after the deaths of Alvin’s parents and tries to redirect him from theft.

A Guardian’s Hope from "The Plot Against America". A Guardian’s Hope A second chance Herman takes in Alvin after the deaths of Alvin’s parents and tries to redirect him from theft.

A Guardian’s Hope A second chance Herman takes in Alvin after the deaths of Alvin’s parents and tries to redirect him from theft. He secures him work with Abe Steinheim and urges him toward education and responsibility. Care as duty Herman believes sustained guidance can save his nephew from a destructive future.

The College Refusal The College Refusal from "The Plot Against America". The College Refusal A moral dispute Abe Steinheim offers Alvin a route to college and future work, but Alvin rejects the obligation attached to the offer.

The College Refusal from "The Plot Against America". The College Refusal A moral dispute Abe Steinheim offers Alvin a route to college and future work, but Alvin rejects the obligation attached to the offer.

The College Refusal A moral dispute Abe Steinheim offers Alvin a route to college and future work, but Alvin rejects the obligation attached to the offer. He accuses Herman of accepting exploitation when it benefits the family. A break in trust Alvin’s departure for Canada turns a dispute over work into a conflict of principle.

A Leg Lost A Leg Lost from "The Plot Against America". A Leg Lost The price of service Alvin fights in France and loses his left leg after a grenade explosion.

A Leg Lost from "The Plot Against America". A Leg Lost The price of service Alvin fights in France and loses his left leg after a grenade explosion.

A Leg Lost The price of service Alvin fights in France and loses his left leg after a grenade explosion. His injury ends his commando service and leaves him physically and emotionally devastated. Herman’s helplessness The guardian who wanted to prevent danger cannot protect Alvin from war.

The Household Caretaker The Household Caretaker from "The Plot Against America". The Household Caretaker Roles reverse Philip helps Alvin with bandages, clothing, and his artificial leg as he begins to recover.

The Household Caretaker from "The Plot Against America". The Household Caretaker Roles reverse Philip helps Alvin with bandages, clothing, and his artificial leg as he begins to recover.

The Household Caretaker Roles reverse Philip helps Alvin with bandages, clothing, and his artificial leg as he begins to recover. Herman urges Alvin to rebuild his life, but Alvin’s independence remains fragile. A brief bond The family’s practical care makes a temporary home for the wounded veteran.

The Rupture The Rupture from "The Plot Against America". The Rupture Competing accounts Herman condemns Alvin’s indifference to the violence against Jews, while Alvin says he lost his leg because Herman sent him to…

The Rupture from "The Plot Against America". The Rupture Competing accounts Herman condemns Alvin’s indifference to the violence against Jews, while Alvin says he lost his leg because Herman sent him to…

The Rupture Competing accounts Herman condemns Alvin’s indifference to the violence against Jews, while Alvin says he lost his leg because Herman sent him to fight. The argument becomes physical and destroys furniture as well as trust. Separation Alvin leaves again, and care cannot undo the resentment between uncle and nephew.

before 1940

early 1941

summer 1941

early 1942

October 1942