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Lincoln
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Plot Summary of Lincoln
" In this book , Gore Vidal continues his "American Chronicle". This book focus on the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. In contrast to most books about Lincoln's presidency, this book does not focus heavily on the Civil War. The War is mentioned.But, t is not the major focus of the book.

Lincoln is not the main point of view character for this novel bearing his name. The author uses a rotating first person narration device.

    The narration is from the points of view of the following :
Presidential secretary John Hay, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, Secretary of State William Seward, Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase, U.S. Representative Elihu Washburne, and co-conspirator of John Wilkes Booth David Herold. This diverse group of people gives various viewpoints to the events surrounding Lincoln's presidency.

The great man himself is seen as if from a distance. We are not privy to his thoughts and perceptions. We see how Licoln motivations and actions are understood by those around him.

"

Yosef Shapiro, Resident Scholar



Review Analysis of Lincoln
Our unique search engine provides a wealth of detail about books by breaking them down into many different literary elements, all of which are searchable (click here).
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Tone of book? - thoughtful
Time/era of story - 19th century
Life of a profession: - politician
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Job/Profession/Status story Yes

Main Character
Gender - Male
Profession/status: - politician/elected ruler
Age: - 40's-50's
Ethnicity/Nationality - White (American)
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Strong but gentle sense of humor
Intelligence - Very much smarter than other characters
Physique - healthy but a geeky weakling

Main Adversary
Identity: - none

Setting
United States Yes

Style
Person - rotating 1st
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
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Gore Vidal Resident Scholar Profiles

TOP SCHOLAR:
  
Yosef Shapiro  

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