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Lesson 1 (from Preface, Prologue, and I. Peculiar Ambition)

Objective

Preface, Prologue, and I. Peculiar Ambition

In the Preface, Lincoln was mostly self-educated, but his literary ability and rhetorical skills have attracted many historians to his story. Lincoln's writing shows an understanding of classic texts like the Bible, Shakespeare, and Bunyan among others. The objective of this lesson is to discuss Lincoln's understanding of classic texts and why historians are drawn to Abraham Lincoln.

Lesson

1) Group Work: Research and Summary: Students should find information on rhetoric and how one can persuade or influence a public audience. Students should find types of rhetorical devices used by those with rhetorical skills and outline the basic principles or skills of rhetoric. (Example: Invention, arrangement, delivery, style, etc.)

2) Class Discussion: What was interesting about Lincoln's education? His literary ability? What did his rhetorical skills attract? Why do you think that his rhetorical skills attracted historians? What did his writings display...

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