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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Lincoln see on the boat from Quincy to Alton that shocks him?
(a) A dozen mules on shore, chained and being flogged.
(b) A dozen negroes, chained together, being shipped South to be sold.
(c) A woman with 12 children, begging for food.
(d) A dozen dancing girls, chained together, forced to entertain passengers.

2. Why is Ann's death such a setback to Lincoln?
(a) He fears any woman who loves him is doomed to an early death, like his mother.
(b) Ann wrote his speeches; without her, he has nothing to say.
(c) He depended on Ann's connections to the politically powerful in Washington.
(d) He doesn't feel he will be taken seriously as a candidate if he is single.

3. What is Josh Speed's request to the Greens as he departs at the end of Act 1, Scene 3?
(a) He asks them to keep Lincoln with them and not let him out of their sight.
(b) He asks them to call a physician to treat Lincoln's stress.
(c) He requests they accompany Lincoln to Springfield for opening of the Legislature.
(d) He wants them to take copious notes about Lincoln's mood.

4. What is Josh Speed's understanding of Lincoln's personality?
(a) Lincoln is a great fool with an odd understanding of the law.
(b) Lincoln is a hopeless hypochondriac who reads Hamlet.
(c) Lincoln is obsessive-compulsive and can't stop counting fence posts.
(d) Lincoln can't control his manic-depressive episodes and constantly makes a fool of himself.

5. Lincoln and Mary Todd are getting married, yet he seems to be in despair. Why?
(a) Mary Todd has written him a letter, breaking their engagement.
(b) Mary Todd has run off with Billy Herndon.
(c) He wants to break the engagement and leave Mary Todd at the altar.
(d) He discovers he loves Elizabeth Edwards, not Mary Todd.

6. In Act 2, Scene 4, who arrives unexpectedly at Lincoln's office to visit?
(a) Bowling Green and Josh Speed.
(b) Bowling and Nancy Green.
(c) Seth Gale and Nancy Green.
(d) Ann Rutledge and Josh Speed.

7. How does the weather complement Lincoln's mood when he arrives at the home of the Greens' with news of Ann's death?
(a) The wind howls in agony along with him.
(b) A blizzard settles in, reflecting the cold that has settled in his heart.
(c) The weather is as clear as his conscience.
(d) The weather is as stormy as his mood.

8. Why can't Lincoln bring himself to shoot a deer?
(a) Because he once saw one running across his mother's grave.
(b) Because of the scene in "Bambi," in which his mother was killed.
(c) Because he prefers bow-hunting.
(d) Because his mother was an anti-gun lobbyist.

9. What does Mary Todd's sister predict if she marries Lincoln?
(a) A wanderer's life, as Lincoln can't seem to hold a decent job.
(b) A life in a miserable cabin, without servants and without decent clothing.
(c) A life in a quaint cabin, stitching buckskin clothing and raising a passel of children.
(d) A glittering life in the nation's capital, dancing with elegant Europeans.

10. What is the setting of Act 2, Scene 5 and what does it convey about the occupants?
(a) The setting is Lincoln's log cabin and it conveys a feeling of bachelor solitude.
(b) The setting is a grand ballroom and it conveys the gala celebration of political victory.
(c) The setting is the parlor of Ninian Edwards' home and it conveys a comfortable upper-class life.
(d) The setting is Ninian Edwards' home and it conveys a sense of genteel poverty.

11. What subject is always heavy on Lincoln's mind?
(a) That he will fail at the job of postmaster.
(b) That if he ever gets out of debt, he'll get right back in again.
(c) That his partner will buy the store where Abe works and fire him.
(d) That he'll never have a chance to run for public office.

12. What is the wedding gift Ninian has brought Abe?
(a) A stovepipe hat that will become Lincon's signature.
(b) A fine, silver-headed cane.
(c) A slave.
(d) A silver box of fine cigars.

13. Why does Lincoln return to New Salem in Act 1, Scene 3?
(a) He has been kicked out of Springfiled for being drunk in public.
(b) The Greens have asked him to mediate in their divorce.
(c) Ann Rutledge is sick.
(d) Seth Gale summoned him with a letter.

14. What is Bowling Green's attitude toward the possibility of Lincoln marrying Ann Rutledge?
(a) He's all for the marriage; he thinks Ann will keep Lincoln on track.
(b) He is against the marriage; he knows Ann has been seeing someone else.
(c) Judge Green is against it; he thinks Ann will be a hindrance to Lincoln.
(d) He's for the marriage; Ann's family has a lot of money to spend on campaigns.

15. What is the local gossip in New Salem about Ann Rutledge?
(a) She is secretly a witch.
(b) She has been jilted by her fiance, who left town.
(c) She is in line for a job as the town's teacher.
(d) She is in love with Abe Lincoln.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is President during the time represented in Act 2, Scene 4?

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

3. How does Act 1, Scene 3, in which Ann Rutledge dies, come to an end?

4. What is Lincoln's new attitude toward God after Ann's death?

5. What excuse does Ninian Edwards give for getting himself and his wife out of the parlor so Lincoln can be alone with Mary Todd?

(see the answer keys)

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