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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. In what city was the Republican Party National Convention held in 1864?

2. Even though he is a drunk, ___________ is deemed a better general than McClellan.

3. Why does Mrs. Lincoln visit a wounded corporal from Lexington, Kentucky?

4. Which Amendment is suspended as many newspaper publishers are arrested?

5. What event does Kate Chase host in Part 2, Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Booth say Lincoln must be poisoned soon?

2. What are two reasons that David Herold is disgruntled in Chapter 7?

3. What information does Herold learn about the misinformation being fed to Union sources regarding the rebel strength?

4. Why does Sprague get involved in getting cotton past blockades and into New England?

5. Why do the rebel spies think that Herold has succeeded in poisoning Lincoln at the time he delivers the Gettysburg Address?

6. What are the circumstances of David Herold meeting John Wilkes Booth?

7. What is the speculation of Mrs. Lincoln's involvement in President Lincoln's speech to Congress being printed in the New York Herald?

8. What honor does Grant receive in the midst of talk about his presidential aspirations?

9. What precipitates Lincoln's discussions with black leaders and his issuing the Emancipation Proclamation?

10. What is Lincoln's final stance regarding the Wikoff incident?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Vidal is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

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.

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