55 pages • 1 hour read
An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapters 9-11Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 9 Summary: “The Never-Ending Resignation”
Chapter 9 chronicles Richard Goodwin’s arduous and often humorous attempts to leave his White House position during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration. Despite Richard’s plans to commence his fellowship at Wesleyan in September 1965, Johnson employs various tactics to prevent his departure, highlighting both the president’s dependency on Richard Goodwin and the turbulent nature of their professional relationship.
The chapter begins with Richard recounting his decision to leave government service, feeling that his commitment to stay until Johnson’s legislative programs were underway had been fulfilled. However, Johnson ignores Richard’s resignation letter, and any attempts by Richard to discuss his departure are consistently thwarted by Johnson’s manipulative maneuvers.
The narrative reveals Johnson’s complex strategy to retain Richard Goodwin, including emotional appeals and veiled threats. In one instance, Johnson uses barnyard metaphors to emphasize the importance of addressing the broader economic and social dimensions of racial prejudice, beyond just voting rights. Richard is tasked with drafting a speech on this subject, reflecting Johnson’s desire to lead the nation in addressing deep-rooted racial inequalities.
Despite these efforts, Richard Goodwin remains determined to leave, but Johnson’s persistence is relentless. Johnson even attempts to manipulate external influences, such as arranging for a dinner with Jackie Kennedy to sway Richard’s decision. Richard’s resignation process stretches over months, marked by Johnson’s alternating between affectionate praise and harsh criticism, further complicating Richard’s resolve.
The chapter culminates in a series of meetings and discussions, where Johnson employs a mix of flattery and duty-bound appeals to persuade Richard Goodwin to stay. Ultimately, despite the president’s exhaustive efforts, Richard’s determination to leave prevails, though not without enduring significant emotional and professional turmoil. The chapter underscores the intense personal and political dynamics within the White House and Johnson’s reliance on Richard Goodwin’s talents and loyalty.
Chapter 10 Summary: “Friendship, Loyalty, and Duty”
In Chapter 10, the narrative focuses on Richard Goodwin’s evolving relationships with Jackie and Robert Kennedy post his White House departure. Richard meticulously organizes his extensive collection of historical documents, reflecting on his years of public service. The chapter explores the deepening friendship between Richard and Robert Kennedy, particularly during their 1965 trip to South America. Despite President Lyndon B. Johnson’s suspicions of Richard Goodwin’s loyalty, the chapter underscores Richard’s genuine intent to remain neutral and his continued dedication to public service.
The chapter transitions into Robert Kennedy’s famous “Ripple of Hope” speech delivered at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, on June 6, 1966. The speech, emphasizing the power of individual action against injustice, is set against the backdrop of the apartheid regime’s brutal rule. The preparation and delivery of this iconic speech showcase Kennedy’s empathy and the impact his words had on the South African audience, including future Massachusetts Chief Justice Margaret Marshall.
The narrative then highlights Marshall’s groundbreaking 2003 ruling on gay marriage in Massachusetts, influenced by her South African roots. It transitions back to Robert Kennedy’s “Ripple of Hope” speech, emphasizing the impact of Richard Goodwin’s words.
Central to the chapter is Richard’s growing disillusionment with the Vietnam War. In September 1966, he prepared his first public anti-war statement, fully aware of its irreversible consequences. The chapter details his and Arthur Schlesinger’s realization of President Johnson’s increasing commitment to the war, leading to their decision to publicly oppose it. Richard Goodwin’s address to the Americans for Democratic Action in September 1966 marked his decisive break with the administration, criticizing Johnson’s policies and accusing the administration of deceit.
The chapter also explores the controversy surrounding William Manchester’s book on JFK’s assassination, where Richard Goodwin acted as a mediator between Manchester and the Kennedys, highlighting the personal and professional conflicts it generated. The closing reflections focus on Richard’s internal struggle, his sense of duty to speak out against the war, and his evolving views on loyalty and friendship amidst the political turmoil.
Chapter 11 Summary: “Crosswinds of Fate”
Chapter 11 opens with Richard Goodwin’s reluctance to revisit the turbulent period of late 1967 and 1968. The chapter begins with Richard reading Herman Melville’s The Piazza Tales, symbolizing the stormy events ahead. Central to this narrative is Richard’s frustration over Robert Kennedy’s indecision about running against Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Despite increased troop deployments to Vietnam and growing public opposition to the war, Kennedy hesitated. Richard Goodwin, a strong advocate for Kennedy’s candidacy, believed he could unite the nation and defeat Johnson. However, most of Kennedy’s advisors, except for Richard and Arthur Schlesinger, deemed it political suicide. They feared that challenging an incumbent president would fracture the Democratic Party and lead to a Republican victory.
Meanwhile, Al Lowenstein sought alternative candidates, ultimately convincing Eugene McCarthy to run. McCarthy’s announcement intensified Kennedy’s indecision. Richard Goodwin spent considerable time with Kennedy, discussing personal ambitions and the country’s future. Despite a compelling argument from Richard to act swiftly, Kennedy remained uncertain. During a decisive meeting, Kennedy’s advisors argued against running, fearing political repercussions. Johnson’s announcement of the Tet Offensive further complicated matters. Kennedy decided not to run early, a choice Richard Goodwin deemed his “biggest political blunder” (326). Disheartened, Richard joined McCarthy’s campaign, believing it was the best way to oppose Johnson and end the war.
The narrative then shifts to the upheaval of April 1968. Johnson’s peace initiative and withdrawal from the race initially boost his popularity. However, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. shatters this optimism, leading to nationwide riots. Johnson, deeply affected by King’s death, pushes for fair housing legislation to honor King’s legacy, which passes amidst the chaos.
Simultaneously, Robert Kennedy’s campaign gains momentum despite internal struggles and Eugene McCarthy’s challenge. Kennedy’s empathy and resilience resonate with diverse voters, culminating in victories in Indiana and Nebraska. However, the unexpected loss in Oregon forces Kennedy to adapt his strategy. Ultimately, Kennedy’s campaign peaks with a decisive victory in California, but his assassination tragically cuts short the hope for a united, progressive future. The chapter concludes with Richard grappling with the impact of these events on his life and the nation.
Chapters 9-11 Analysis
Goodwin begins this section by chronicling Richard Goodwin’s prolonged and often humorous attempts to leave his White House position during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration. This chapter is notable for its portrayal of the personal dynamics between Richard and Johnson, highlighting the emotional and professional complexities of their relationship. Goodwin’s description of Johnson’s manipulative tactics, such as ignoring resignation letters and employing emotional appeals, emphasizes his formidable influence and persistence. These depictions highlight both the personal struggle and the broader political implications of Richard’s resignation attempts. Goodwin’s involvement is also evident as she details her husband’s struggle to resign amidst Johnson’s persistent efforts to retain him. This dual perspective offers readers an intimate understanding of The Intersection of Marriage and Politics, a staple of Goodwin’s novel.
As with the rest of the text, Goodwin structures these chapters to juxtapose personal anecdotes with broader historical moments, highlighting Personal and Professional Relationships Against the Backdrop of Major Historical Events. For example, in Chapter 10, Goodwin uses a chronological arrangement to detail Richard Goodwin’s evolving relationships with Jackie and Robert Kennedy after his White House departure. The chapter transitions between personal reflections and historical events, such as Robert Kennedy’s “Ripple of Hope” speech delivered at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Goodwin’s detailed account of the speech’s preparation and delivery, set against the backdrop of the apartheid regime, underscores the impact of Kennedy’s words on the South African audience and future leaders, such as Margaret Marshall. The metaphor, “Boxes of treasure and Pandora’s boxes” (270), captures the mixed emotions of uncovering the past, full of both valuable memories and potentially painful discoveries. This analogy enhances the narrative by illustrating the complexity of Richard Goodwin’s reflections on his years of public service.
By weaving historical context with personal anecdotes, Goodwin also enhances the reader’s understanding of key figures and events. For example, she chronicles the turbulent period of late 1967 and 1968, highlighting the complexities of Robert Kennedy’s indecision about running against Lyndon Johnson in 1968. The chapter is replete with allusions to significant historical moments, such as the Tet Offensive and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. These references provide a bountiful context for understanding the broader implications of the events described. Reflecting on Bobby Kennedy’s hesitation to run against Johnson, Goodwin includes the quote, “Doing nothing is also an action” (326). This captures the complexity and consequences of inaction in political decision-making, highlighting The Personal Impact of Historical Figures.
Goodwin’s exploration of Richard Goodwin’s growing disillusionment with the Vietnam War and his eventual public opposition to it epitomizes the impact of political decisions. For example, Chapter 10 details Richard’s internal struggle and his sense of duty to speak out against the war, highlighting how deeply political decisions affected personal lives. The passage, “For those kids it was a clear-cut morality play between war and peace and, in an instant, right had triumphed wrong, peace over war” (343), captures the hope and idealism of the anti-war movement, as well as Richard Goodwin’s emotional investment in the political struggles of the time. Similarly, Chapter 11’s account of the political and personal turmoil during the 1968 election campaign illustrates the interconnectedness of personal ambitions and historical events. Goodwin’s detailed portrayal of Robert Kennedy’s campaign, his empathy and resilience, and his tragic assassination underscores the impact of political figures on the broader historical narrative.
Unlock all 55 pages of this Study GuidePlus, gain access to 8,800+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Related Titles
By Doris Kearns Goodwin
