View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Lincoln leaves the parlor for a moment, how does one of his visitors in Act 3, Scene 9 describe him?
(a) One of the most astute politicians who ever emerged from a backwoods log cabin.
(b) One of the smoothest, slickest politicians that ever hoodwinked a yokel mob.
(c) A lawyer as crooked as a dog's hind leg.
(d) A demagogue who could play the ringmaster in a Barnum and Bailey Circus.

2. What is Lincoln doing as he waits for the voting results?
(a) Bouncing a tennis ball.
(b) Reading newspapers.
(c) Writing his memoirs.
(d) Pacing nervously.

3. What's the first thing one of the guests in Act 3, Scene 10 does after sitting down in the Lincolns' parlor?
(a) Offers Lincoln a job running his company.
(b) Asks permission to smoke a cigar.
(c) Congratulates Lincoln on the beauty of the house.
(d) Spills tea on the sofa.

4. What is the essential element Lincoln's party is seeking in a presidential candidate when they ask him to run?
(a) The ability to get elected.
(b) An anti-slavery attitude.
(c) A willingness to raise taxes.
(d) A strong military policy.

5. The influential men visiting Lincoln ask about his views on which two topics?
(a) Workers rights and religious faith.
(b) Slavery and bank regulation.
(c) Religion and interstate commerce.
(d) Taxes and slavery.

6. What are the railroad workers in Illinois doing, according to Douglas, to protest their low wages?
(a) They are striking, refusing to work.
(b) They are marching, singing "I've been working on the railroad."
(c) Nothing--they can't afford to offend their employers.
(d) Looking for jobs in other industries.

7. How does Lincoln frequently begin a sentence after his election?
(a) "If I live..."
(b) "Funnily enough..."
(c) "As I live and breath..."
(d) "Whatever..."

8. At the beginning of Act 3, Scene 10, Lincoln is sitting in his parlor with his sons. How many did he have?
(a) Four.
(b) Seven.
(c) Three.
(d) Two.

9. How does Mary Todd describe her part in the break-up of the engagement to Lincoln?
(a) She agrees her incessant chatter drove Lincoln crazy.
(b) She acknowledges pushing him too hard to fulfill her ambitions.
(c) She knows her lack of confidence in his ability made him sad.
(d) She admits her love was based on financial greed.

10. What does Jack Armstrong tell Seth Gale about Lincoln while they wait for Lincoln's arrival in Act 2, Scene 7?
(a) Lincoln has "slipped down and ain't much like his comical self."
(b) Lincoln has "come up in town and thinks too much of himself."
(c) Lincoln "is his same comical old self."
(d) Lincoln "ain't the same since he married Mary Todd."

11. Where does Seth Gale intend to settle his family?
(a) Oregon.
(b) Nevada.
(c) New Mexico.
(d) Texas.

12. At the end of Scene 2, Act 8, what is Lincoln's response to Mary's actions?
(a) He is as enthusiastic as she is and dances a little jig.
(b) He stands stiffly and dreams of moving to Oregon with Seth Gale.
(c) Repulsed by her embrace, he backs away and again changes his mind.
(d) He responds awkwardly, embracing her loosely while staring down at the carpet.

13. What are Mary's first words to Abe when he arrives after a two-year absence?
(a) "Mr. Lincoln, you are not my idea of a good man."
(b) "I always knew you would return to me, Abe."
(c) "I'm glad to see you again, Mr. Lincoln."
(d) "You should be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Lincoln."

14. How is Lincoln's appearance different from Election Day?
(a) He has a beard.
(b) There is a patch over one eye.
(c) He has shaved his head.
(d) He is walking with a cane.

15. What distinction does Lincoln draw between the slaves and downtrodden workers in the North?
(a) The workers live with harsh winters, the slaves do not.
(b) Slaves live on plantations, workers live in cities.
(c) The slaves can run away, the workers cannot.
(d) The workers have the right to strike, slaves do not.

Short Answer Questions

1. How old is Lincoln as he leaves Illinois for the White House?

2. What has Mary Todd been doing while Lincoln entertains his guests?

3. Seth Gale tells Abe he's feeling "pretty scared" about his son's health. What does Lincoln tell him?

4. What is it that the visitors to Lincoln's home in Act 3, Scene 10 want to talk about with him?

5. What university does Lincoln's oldest son attend?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 776 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample