The Plot Against America

Alvin is discharged in January 1942 with a monthly stipend from the Canadian government. His uncle, Monty, a wealthy entrepreneur, tries to get him to stay in Canada, since he can’t bear the American president. Herman does not understand how Monty can support Lindbergh, for whom he previously felt only animosity. But Monty believes that he continues to proper because of Lindbergh’s peace, which avoided Roosevelt’s war. Sandy has come to believe in Lindbergh’s ideas as well, thanks to his time on the farm. Philip begins to wonder if his father knows what he is talking about. 

The family goes to pick Alvin up at a train station. Philip is nervous about Alvin’s missing leg, but his mother tells him not to be afraid. A Red Cross nurse pushes Alvin’s wheelchair off the train and begins heading towards them. Sandy runs to hug him and then Philip does the same, “only to discover how rotten he smelled” (127). Alvin stares at Herman with what Philip calls “ferocity” (127). Philip thinks he has never seen anyone look so sickly and dejected. 

Alvin’s left pants leg is empty. He is not wearing the leg because he says the stump broke down.