A Lincoln Preface

from “A Lincoln Preface” by Carl Sandburg (Prentice Hall Book)

Page 129

1. What event does the first paragraph describe? What do you know about this event?

2. What is “despotic” power? How does this apply to Lincoln during the Civil War?

3. What was Uncle Tom’s Cabin?

4. Why did Lincoln say he had the right to violate the Constitution during the Civil War?

Page 130

5. Look at the picture on page 130, what can you tell about Lincoln from this painting? (Infer)

Page 131

6. What does the term “cipher” refer to?

7. Who is the “slouching, gray-headed poet” referred to in the essay?

8. What was shot off of Lincoln’s head one night as he rode alone in Washington?

9. How did Lincoln get the scar on his left thumb? How did he get the scar above his eye?

Page 132

10. Lincoln is referred to as a “trimmer.” What is a “trimmer”?

11. Why did Lincoln want Nevada to join the Union as a state? What was the Emancipation Proclamation?

12. Describe the gift sent to Lincoln by the King of Siam? How does Lincoln jokingly respond?

Page 133

13. What does “gaunt” mean?

14. Look at the picture on page 133, What message does this painting convey about Lincoln? (Describe)

Page 134

15. Where did Lincoln live as a baby?

16. What is the Book of Job? How does it apply to Lincoln?

17. How old was Lincoln when he died?

Exit Slip: Why do you feel Lincoln was an important president? How would life have been different had he never been born? Explain.