Significance of The State Dinner

The state dinner that Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln host at the White House symbolizes regret and uncertainty. At first, the Lincolns wished to cancel their entertainment due to Willie’s illness, but they ultimately decided to proceed because the doctor had assured them that Willie would recover. However, Willie dies during the ball, and thus the ball comes to represent the Lincolns’ shame and regret, as well as the uncertainty of life and death. Although Willie’s death might possibly have been unavoidable, the Lincolns still regret not being with him at the time.