Philip and Alvin’s Bond

The Plot Against America

Philip’s devotion to Alvin changes from fear and fascination into practical care, then grief at their separation.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Captivating Cousin A Captivating Cousin from "The Plot Against America". A Captivating Cousin Stories and admiration Philip delights in Alvin’s stories about work, money, and adult power.

A Captivating Cousin from "The Plot Against America". A Captivating Cousin Stories and admiration Philip delights in Alvin’s stories about work, money, and adult power.

A Captivating Cousin Stories and admiration Philip delights in Alvin’s stories about work, money, and adult power. Alvin gives the younger boy an intimate view of a world beyond school and family rules. A model of daring Philip’s affection is mixed with awe at Alvin’s confidence.

News of the Wound News of the Wound from "The Plot Against America". News of the Wound A distant injury Philip learns that Alvin has been wounded and lost his left leg in France.

News of the Wound from "The Plot Against America". News of the Wound A distant injury Philip learns that Alvin has been wounded and lost his left leg in France.

News of the Wound A distant injury Philip learns that Alvin has been wounded and lost his left leg in France. The news turns a distant war into a bodily reality for the family. Shared grief Philip cries with Sandy, discovering how helpless love can feel.

A Frightening Return A Frightening Return from "The Plot Against America". A Frightening Return Encounter with injury Alvin returns to Newark thin, angry, and dependent on a wheelchair and crutches.

A Frightening Return from "The Plot Against America". A Frightening Return Encounter with injury Alvin returns to Newark thin, angry, and dependent on a wheelchair and crutches.

A Frightening Return Encounter with injury Alvin returns to Newark thin, angry, and dependent on a wheelchair and crutches. Philip is repelled by the smell and stump, then ashamed of his own fear. Care begins The boy’s discomfort becomes the starting point of his service to Alvin.

The Nightly Bandages The Nightly Bandages from "The Plot Against America". The Nightly Bandages Learning care Philip helps wrap Alvin’s stump and assists with the prosthesis and clothing.

The Nightly Bandages from "The Plot Against America". The Nightly Bandages Learning care Philip helps wrap Alvin’s stump and assists with the prosthesis and clothing.

The Nightly Bandages Learning care Philip helps wrap Alvin’s stump and assists with the prosthesis and clothing. The repeated work replaces fear with a close, practical intimacy. Recognition Alvin gives Philip his Canadian medal, affirming the bond between them.

A Bond Broken Open A Bond Broken Open from "The Plot Against America". A Bond Broken Open Anger overwhelms affection Alvin and Herman fight, and Philip sees the injured cousin attack the uncle who once cared for him.

A Bond Broken Open from "The Plot Against America". A Bond Broken Open Anger overwhelms affection Alvin and Herman fight, and Philip sees the injured cousin attack the uncle who once cared for him.

A Bond Broken Open Anger overwhelms affection Alvin and Herman fight, and Philip sees the injured cousin attack the uncle who once cared for him. The violence destroys Philip’s idealized image of Alvin as a simple hero. Separation and sorrow Alvin leaves Newark, while Philip retains the medal and the memory of having helped him.

before February 1941

summer 1941

January 1942

early 1942

October 1942