How did Lincoln's childhood and early years help shape him into the President he would become? Was he comfortable discussing his past? Did his background make it easier or more difficult for him to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer?

How did Lincoln's relationship with his father change over the years? Did this reflect Lincoln's relationship with his own children? What influences did each parent have on the young "Abe?"

Lincoln was obsessed with death and mortality. Discuss some of the reasons for his obsession, citing specific occurrences in his past that may have played a part.

Lincoln weathered many failures before his great election to the Presidency. Discuss how his political life in Springfield, successes and failures, prepared him for the Presidential campaign. Did Lincoln see himself capable of being President of the United States? Did others? How was Lincoln's "simple" background...