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

2. Who is entertained by Annie Surratt?

3. Who is Bettie Duval?

4. Which of the following is NOT one of Lincoln's sons?

5. What idea does Seward have for reuniting the North and the South?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are the beginnings of a conspiracy against Lincoln introduced in Chapter 2?

2. What role does Mrs. Lincoln play in her husband's presidency?

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

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

5. What is the purpose of Stephen Douglas' visit to the White House?

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

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

8. With whom does John Hay become infatuated the day after Lincoln's inauguration?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of men in the 1860s when the men in the story are living through wartime. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century men do not?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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