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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. During what war did Pericles make his speech?

2. How many paragraphs are contained in Everett's speech?

3. Who spoke about "the strategy of annihilation?"

4. Which family's vault rests near the correct location?

5. Who most likely kept a copy of the speech as a souvenir?

Short Essay Questions

1. Did Lincoln have any previous experience in war? If so, what?

2. Why was it important to state that the living should be devoted to the dead?

3. What is the purpose of Wills marking out the parts of Pericles' speech?

4. In what part does Everett talk about the battle itself? How are the parts separated?

5. How was Lincoln known for handling disputes in court?

6. Why was it not possible to consecrate the ground?

7. What change did the translation of Gorgias' undergo?

8. Which version of the speech is the most popular? Why?

9. Wills makes it a point to compare what theme in both speeches by Lincoln and Pericles?

10. Why did it take so long for the Hay text to be discovered?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lincoln's friend, William Herndon, was very specific about Lincoln's use of language in both writing and speech. Recount William Herndon's lengthy list of observations. Do you think Herndon was correct in his assessment? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the personalities, strengths and careers of Robert E. Lee and George Meade. Who had the biggest impact on the Civil War?

Essay Topic 3

Lincoln was not the main speaker at Gettysburg. Who was the main speaker? Why was s/he chosen over Lincoln? Whose speech was more successful? How many people attended the speeches? What else was going on that day? Who else was in attendance?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 456 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample