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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. Which of the following does NOT describe Kate Chase's relationship with her father?

2. What topic does Sprague talk about when he takes Kate riding?

3. What do conspirators Annie Surrat and David Herold call Lincoln?

4. Who is the U.S. president that Lincoln succeeds?

5. What is the coded message that David Herold carries across the river?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Vidal describe Lincoln in the early part of the novel?

2. Whose arrival is anxiously anticipated in Chapter 14 to provide some security in Washington?

3. What does Lincoln accidentally lose and who will take advantage of this?

4. How can Lincoln's Inauguration Day be considered lackluster?

5. What is the Peace Conference and what is the nature of their visit with Lincoln?

6. What is the Albany Plan and how does it set the stage for political machinations throughout the novel?

7. What is the mood in Washington as Chapter 15 begins and what is on Seward's mind regarding Lincoln's presidency?

8. Who is Elizabeth Keckley and what is her role in the Lincoln White House?

9. How does the White House respond to Col. Ellsworth's death?

10. How is David Herold shaken when he sees the result of a coded message he had carried but had not been able to deliver?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln had four children. They are Robert, Eddie, Willie and Tad. Eddie died as a small boy and Willie dies while living in the White House. Tad will die a few years later leaving Robert the only living descendant. Describe the Lincolns' relationships with each of their children. Is it evident that one is the favorite? Who is the black sheep? Cite examples.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of religion in Lincoln's life. Was he public with his faith? How did he deal with those who did not hold his same beliefs? How did his religious beliefs guide him as he guided the country?

Essay Topic 3

In addition to war on their homeland, people in mid-19th century America were also very vulnerable to the threat of serious illnesses such as typhoid fever. Cite some examples from the book in which people die or are in serious danger of their lives due to diseases that can be better managed today.

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