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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Lincoln's attitude toward people?
(a) He loves being in a crowd, but feels anxious one-to-one.
(b) He likes them one-to-one, but crowds scare him.
(c) He dislikes people because of their inhumanity.
(d) He is afraid of them, unless he has known them all his life.

2. What does Lincoln do that impresses Ninian Edwards in Act 1, Scene 2?
(a) Lincoln gets everyone's attention by firing his pistol at the ceiling.
(b) Lincoln announces there is free pie in the town square.
(c) Lincoln diffuses the tension with the Clancy Groves boys.
(d) Lincoln punches a bully who is threatening Ann Rutledge.

3. What is Lincoln's response to a poem he reads regarding life and death?
(a) He finds it strange: "I don't get the meaning of it, at all."
(b) He is inspired to write his own poetry: "I've got a thought, Teacher, give me a pencil."
(c) It depresses him: "Life is sure 'nuff short, why think about death?"
(d) He likes it: "It sure is good...it's fine!

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

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

6. What is the mood of the speech Lincoln is asked to read in the first scene?
(a) Indicative.
(b) Potential.
(c) Subjunctive.
(d) Infinitive.

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

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

9. What is Lincoln's attitude about people before he meets Ann Rutledge?
(a) The best thing is to take a vow of silence in order not to be bothered by fools.
(b) Getting close to others is the best antidote in the world to loneliness.
(c) All people are to a degree insane, but that shouldn't stop one from getting close to them.
(d) It's best not to get too close to people; they see the insanity behind the surface.

10. How much would Lincoln be paid as a member of the legislature?
(a) $2.50 a day.
(b) $3 a day.
(c) $5 a day.
(d) Nothing, it's a volunteer job.

11. In a poem that Lincoln reads in the first scene, what is it that the poet finds strange about people?
(a) They think of death as an awakening.
(b) They look forward to death, even when life is good.
(c) They are afraid to face death alone.
(d) They dance through life unaware of pleasure.

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

13. Who is Ann Rutledge?
(a) A nun who has taken up the monastic life in Illinois.
(b) The woman Abe Lincoln wants to court.
(c) Lincoln's aunt.
(d) The postmistress of New Salem.

14. What is Mary Todd's lifelong dream for herself?
(a) That she will become President of the United States.
(b) That she will be able to nominate Supreme Court justices.
(c) That she will live a simple life, raising children.
(d) That she will marry the President of the United States.

15. Where is Abe Lincoln staying while in New Salem in Act 1, Scene 3?
(a) In a barn belonging to Josh Speed.
(b) In Rutledge's Tavern.
(c) At the home of Bowling and Nancy Green.
(d) With Ann Rutledge's family.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who have Bowling Green, Ninian Edwards and Josh Speed come to New Salem to see?

2. Why can't Lincoln bring himself to shoot a deer?

3. How does Lincoln feel after Ann's death?

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

5. In Act 2, Scene 6, Lincoln sits at his desk on the day he is to be married. What day of the year is it?

(see the answer keys)

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