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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 family's vault rests near the correct location?

2. Lincoln believed that following the war there would be a period of ______________________.

3. In the speech given by Pericles, he speaks of the virtues of his ____________.

4. What currently stands in the spot where Lincoln supposedly stood?

5. According to Lincoln, "____ breeds and thrives."

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is currently in charge of the Gettysburg battlefield and cemetery? Why is this the logical choice?

2. Wills makes it a point to compare what theme in both speeches by Lincoln and Pericles?

3. What was supposed to happen to Lincoln's speech before it was to be put up for public auction?

4. Why was it not possible to consecrate the ground?

5. What change did the translation of Gorgias' undergo?

6. The newspaper texts use what phrase that is not included in the other versions?

7. Why was it important to state that the living should be devoted to the dead?

8. How many parts are contained in Everett's speech and what is the significance of the number?

9. In what part does Everett talk about the battle itself? How are the parts separated?

10. Which two major speeches of Lincoln's are mentioned and how are they compared?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lincoln was often compared to the transcendentalist preacher Theodore Parker. Why were the two men compared? How did Lincoln feel about Parker's beliefs and policies? How did Lincoln incorporate his beliefs of transcendentalism into his political campaign? How do you think Lincoln's constituents viewed his beliefs?

Essay Topic 2

How did Lincoln react to the misuse of words? What was his method of expressing himself on a personal level? How did Lincoln's friends and colleagues feel about his obsession with language? What contributions did this obsession make to political speech and to society as a whole?

Essay Topic 3

What was the original conflict is deciding where Lincoln stood to make his famous speech? Is it a valid argument? What other theories have been presented by journalists and experts? Which do you feel is correct? Which claimant showed the most substantial proof? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 535 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample