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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. Part 1, Chapters 1-7 focus on the days between Abraham Lincoln's arrival in Washington, D.C. and ________.

3. Who is the noted Union officer shot dead in the invasion of Alexandria?

4. What does Lincoln think will be necessary in order to wage war?

5. Who arrives on the train with Lincoln's secretaries?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is David Herold's first mission as a rebel courier and what is he told to focus on going forward?

2. What is the nature of Chase's talks with Jay Cooke?

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

4. What are Chase's thoughts on financing a war in Chapter 17?

5. Who is Elizabeth Keckley and what is her role in the Lincoln 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. How can Lincoln's Inauguration Day be considered lackluster?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Even before he was a player on the national and international stages, Abraham Lincoln was known to be a man of high integrity. Cite some examples in Lincoln's life that prove this statement. What is Vidal's overall perception of Lincoln's integrity? Explain.

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This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample