Evelyn’s Rise and Fall

The Plot Against America

Evelyn’s pursuit of recognition draws her into government service and leaves her isolated when the administration collapses.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Ambitious Sister The Ambitious Sister from "The Plot Against America". The Ambitious Sister A restless life Evelyn has worked as a teacher and union activist while caring for her mother.

The Ambitious Sister from "The Plot Against America". The Ambitious Sister A restless life Evelyn has worked as a teacher and union activist while caring for her mother.

The Ambitious Sister A restless life Evelyn has worked as a teacher and union activist while caring for her mother. She longs for a life that offers more recognition and possibility. Vulnerability to status Her ambition makes the rabbi’s attention and political access especially powerful.

The OAA Appointment The OAA Appointment from "The Plot Against America". The OAA Appointment A new position Evelyn becomes Lionel Bengelsdorf’s assistant as he leads the Office of American Absorption.

The OAA Appointment from "The Plot Against America". The OAA Appointment A new position Evelyn becomes Lionel Bengelsdorf’s assistant as he leads the Office of American Absorption.

The OAA Appointment A new position Evelyn becomes Lionel Bengelsdorf’s assistant as he leads the Office of American Absorption. She supports Just Folks and helps Sandy enter the program. Family opposition Her role makes her a representative of policies Herman believes threaten Jewish family life.

White House Recognition White House Recognition from "The Plot Against America". White House Recognition Public elevation Evelyn attends the state dinner for Joachim von Ribbentrop and dances with him.

White House Recognition from "The Plot Against America". White House Recognition Public elevation Evelyn attends the state dinner for Joachim von Ribbentrop and dances with him.

White House Recognition Public elevation Evelyn attends the state dinner for Joachim von Ribbentrop and dances with him. The evening confirms her sense that she has entered an influential world. The family’s view Her triumph appears to the Roths as collaboration with a dangerous administration.

A Marriage at Court A Marriage at Court from "The Plot Against America". A Marriage at Court Marriage and status Evelyn marries Lionel Bengelsdorf in a prominent ceremony attended by civic and religious leaders.

A Marriage at Court from "The Plot Against America". A Marriage at Court Marriage and status Evelyn marries Lionel Bengelsdorf in a prominent ceremony attended by civic and religious leaders.

A Marriage at Court Marriage and status Evelyn marries Lionel Bengelsdorf in a prominent ceremony attended by civic and religious leaders. The union makes her a public figure and deepens her estrangement from Bess and Herman. A private cost Social elevation cannot repair the family relationships she has sacrificed.

The Refugee at the Door The Refugee at the Door from "The Plot Against America". The Refugee at the Door Collapse of protection After the FBI arrests her husband, Evelyn arrives at the Roth home terrified and disoriented.

The Refugee at the Door from "The Plot Against America". The Refugee at the Door Collapse of protection After the FBI arrests her husband, Evelyn arrives at the Roth home terrified and disoriented.

The Refugee at the Door Collapse of protection After the FBI arrests her husband, Evelyn arrives at the Roth home terrified and disoriented. Bess refuses to shelter her, and Evelyn is left without the family refuge she once dismissed. A reversal Her access to power has become a source of danger rather than security.

before 1941

spring 1941

April 1942

June 1942

October 15, 1942