logo

71 pages 2 hours read

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2005

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.

Part 5-EpilogueChapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 5, Chapter 34 Summary: “It Looks Pretty Bad, Doesn’t It?”

Content Warning: This section discusses death by suicide.

Oppenheimer’s decision not to resign precipitated “an extraordinary American inquisition” (487). The charges against him included only one item not previously reviewed: his opposition to the superbomb. Oppenheimer chose attorney Lloyd K. Garrison, a direct descendant of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, to represent him along with Marks. Since normal evidentiary rules did not apply, however, Oppenheimer’s attorneys were unable to see all the evidence against him, much of which remained classified. Strauss chose Roger Robb to lead the prosecution and Gordon Gray to chair the three-man review board. Joining Gray on the review board were Thomas Morgan and Dr. Ward Evans. Strauss regarded all three board members as reliably conservative, certain to be shocked by what they discovered in Oppenheimer’s file. Oppenheimer appeared determined but also serene and vaguely fatalistic about his prospects. Kitty wanted to fight harder. In Princeton, Einstein encouraged Oppenheimer to spare himself the ordeal and refused to lend legitimacy to what Einstein and others viewed as a witch hunt. On March 5, 1954, Oppenheimer submitted a 42-page written response to the charges against him.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 71 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools