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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 2, Scene 6.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Lincoln's teacher suggest Lincoln do to improve his life?
(a) Get a law degree.
(b) Consider becoming a minister.
(c) Move out of town.
(d) Find a woman to marry.

2. Who is Ninian Edwards?
(a) Uncle of Elizabeth Edwards.
(b) Son of the Illinois governor.
(c) A merchant passing through New Salem.
(d) Josh Speed's stepbrother.

3. How does Lincoln jokingly describe, in Act 2, Scene 5, the act of defending a murder suspect?
(a) "Whipping such a blizzard of words as to keep justice slipping and sliding."
(b) "Spinning doubt as thick as a black widow's web."
(c) "Doing what I can to obstruct the orderly processes of justice."
(d) "Tossing enough hot potatos to keep a judge from telling which one is rotten."

4. One of Lincoln's clients can't pay her bill; why does Lincoln think she is right not to pay?
(a) She is a poor widow and Lincoln doesn't take money from widows.
(b) He believes she is going to inherit a lot of money, so he can wait for payment.
(c) Lincoln took a horse from her late husband in payment.
(d) Lincoln defended her husband unsuccessfully and he was hanged.

5. On which holiday does Act 1, Scene 2 take place?
(a) Memorial Day.
(b) Labor Day.
(c) The Fourth of July.
(d) Thanksgiving.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the subject of the speech Lincoln is studying in the first scene?

2. How much would Lincoln be paid as a member of the legislature?

3. What happens at the end of Act 2, Scene 4 that proves Lincoln's claim that he is a social success?

4. Who are the main characters in the first scene of the play?

5. Besides debt, what topic often occupies Lincoln's mind?

(see the answer key)

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