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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. What is the true reason Lincoln wants to end the engagement with Mary Todd?
(a) He believes she really wants to marry Stephen Douglas.
(b) She has taken to wearing spurs and brandishing a whip when they are alone.
(c) He knows he is losing his mind and wants to spare her from sharing his pain.
(d) He hates her ambitions for him and doesn't want to be driven to achieve her goals for the rest of his life.

2. What is happening when Lincoln enters Rutledge Tavern to deliver mail?
(a) The Clancy Groves boys have the judge trapped behind the bar.
(b) The Clancy Groves boys are buying a round of whiskey for everyone.
(c) A local bully is angling for a fight with Ninian Edwards.
(d) Ben Mattling is having a heart attack.

3. What does Ann's love do for Lincoln?
(a) Her love makes him believe in God, believe that all things are possible, and he can do anything he wants.
(b) Her love makes him irritable because she is so needy.
(c) Her love inspires him to write great poetry.
(d) Her love makes him weak at the knees and fuzzy in his thoughts; he knows he can't make anything of himself.

4. According to Nancy Green in Act 1, Scene 3, why can't Lincoln face life without a woman by his side?
(a) Because he hears the whispers of the dead women in his life, including his mother, and he can't understand what the whispers mean.
(b) Because he hears voices in the night and they give him contradictory directions.
(c) Because he listens to strange voices that speak to him in church and they command him to do bad things.
(d) Because he goes into trances when under stress and needs someone to help him snap out of it.

5. What does Mary Todd say when asked in Act. 2, Scene 5, if she is considering marriage to Lincoln?
(a) "I am determined to marry Stephen Douglas."
(b) "That is the most repulsive idea I've ever heard."
(c) "I have never given that idea a moment's thought."
(d) "I have decided I shall be Mrs. Lincoln."

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Mary Todd characterize the life her sister and brother-in-law have chosen?

2. What, besides politics, does Lincoln have on his mind during the scene in the Rutledge Tavern?

3. How does Lincoln conclude his prayer for the health of Jimmy Gale?

4. Ninian Andrews arrives at Lincoln's office and learns about a sad event. What is it?

5. How does Lincoln surprise Ann Rutledge while she is clearing tables during Act 1, Scene 2?

(see the answer key)

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