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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 2, Scene 8.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Scene 2, Act 4, what office is Lincoln seeking?
(a) President of the United States.
(b) President of the Springfield School Board.
(c) Member of the Electoral College.
(d) Springfield's combined office of dogcatcher and postmaster.

2. How does Mary Todd respond to Lincoln's proposal at the end of Act 2, Scene 5?
(a) She laughs and laughs, then says she'll think it over seriously and get back to him.
(b) She doesn't--the scene ends with the lights fading before he pops the question.
(c) She grabs his hands, looks deeply into his eyes and whispers the word "yes."
(d) First she acts surprised, then meekly agrees with a timid "yes."

3. What is Billy Herndon's flaw?
(a) He is a womanizer.
(b) He drinks too much and too often.
(c) He kills compulsively.
(d) He cheats at cards.

4. What causes Lincoln to change his mind about his future?
(a) After seeing Seth Gale's son, Lincoln realizes how much he wants children.
(b) He understands he's not getting any younger or better looking, so it's time to settle down.
(c) He fails as a farmer and sees he must return to politics.
(d) After meeting Seth Gale, Lincoln realizes his destiny is in national service, as Mary always said.

5. What is the "good joke" Lincoln plans to tell Bowling Green at the end of Act 1, Scene 2 in the Rutledge Tavern?
(a) That he will be a candidate for the assembly of the State of Illinois.
(b) That Jack Armstrong, of the Clancy Groves boys, will run for the State Assembly.
(c) That Ann Rutledge has run off to marry Josh Speed.
(d) That a chicken crossed the road to get to the other side.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the weather complement Lincoln's mood when he arrives at the home of the Greens' with news of Ann's death?

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

3. What is the true reason Lincoln wants to end the engagement with Mary Todd?

4. In a poem that Lincoln reads in the first scene, what is it that the poet finds strange about people?

5. What is Josh Speed's understanding of Lincoln's personality?

(see the answer key)

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