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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. From whose perspective is Part 1, Chapter 8 NOT viewed?

2. Sumner sees freeing the slaves to be _________________.

3. Who meets Lincoln at the train station in Washington, D.C.?

4. What is the date of Lincoln's inauguration?

5. How can Mrs. Lincoln's personality best be described?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Lincoln's plan to attack the Confederacy as discussed in Chapter 18?

3. What is Lincoln's position on blacks at the beginning of the novel and how does that change as the story evolves?

4. What perspectives do Chase and Seward hold as the war talk ramps up?

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

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

7. What is the issue regarding Lincoln's Kentucky relatives during this time?

8. How does Vidal open the novel?

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

10. What are David Herold's surprising views as he watches Lincoln walk to church?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

What is your opinion of David Herold? Do you think he was a willful man bent on his own destruction for his own purposes? Or is he someone to be pitied for his misguided sense of loyalty and duty? Or is he someone else entirely? State your position on Herold and support your answer with rationale.

Essay Topic 3

What is the point of view of the story? Why did Vidal choose to write the story from this perspective? What are the benefits and the limitations to this particular point of view?

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This section contains 779 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample