Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDFs, and guides for the drama Abraham Lincoln: MBOSE Class 11 Alternative English textbook Imprints, written by XXX, which is part of the syllabus for students studying under the board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The play explores the moral and legal issues surrounding slavery in the United States, weaving a narrative that underscores Abraham Lincoln’s beliefs and principles. The opening scene shows Lincoln visiting his wife’s family in Lexington. His brother-in-law Todd dismisses the political system as deceptive, but Lincoln counters with his iconic statement: “You can fool some of the people all the time…but you can’t fool all the people all the time.” While driving through town, Lincoln is disturbed by advertisements for the sale of slaves, sparking a debate about slavery with his companions.
Lincoln encounters an auction where slaves are sold, including Eliza, a young woman being bid on by a preacher, Calvin Fairbanks, and a wealthy man, Beau. Lincoln questions Fairbanks’ morality, accusing him of failing to act with human decency. Fairbanks, however, reveals his intent to free Eliza by purchasing her. After securing Eliza’s freedom, Fairbanks introduces himself as part of the Anti-Slavery Association. Lincoln contributes to their fund, despite his humorous negotiation with his wife over the donation amount.
The narrative shifts to Lincoln defending Duff Armstrong, a family friend’s son accused of murder. The evidence seems damning until Lincoln cross-examines the main witness, Allen. Using an almanac, Lincoln proves that Allen could not have witnessed the murder by moonlight as claimed because the moon had set before the alleged time of the crime. This clever argument leads to Duff’s acquittal, showcasing Lincoln’s legal acumen and compassion.
The play concludes with Fairbanks wishing Lincoln could use the law to end slavery. Lincoln acknowledges the need for legislative change and later, as President, fulfills this promise by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation declares all slaves in the United States free, marking a pivotal moment in American history.
The story illustrates Lincoln’s wit, his strong moral compass, and his belief in justice and equality. It also critiques the inhumanity of slavery and highlights the efforts of individuals like Fairbanks and Lincoln in challenging such injustices. Metaphors like the “fool’s paradise” represent ignorance or false beliefs, and the “moonlight” is used to unravel falsehood, symbolizing truth dispelling lies.
Video tutorial
Textbook solutions
Answer these questions briefly
1. What was Todd’s opinion of American politicians? How did Lincoln counter this opinion?
Answer: Todd believed that American politicians, particularly Congressmen and Senators, lived by making speeches and fooling the people. Lincoln countered this by stating, “You can fool some of the people all the time and you can fool all the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time.”
2. State Lincoln’s view of Christianity. Did Fairbanks fit it and how?
Answer: Lincoln believed that Christianity should instill common human decency in individuals. Fairbanks fit this view when he purchased Eliza, the slave girl, not to exploit her but to set her free, demonstrating his compassion and sense of justice.
3. What advice did Lincoln give Fairbanks about how to stop slavery? What logic did Fairbanks use to explain what he was doing?
Answer: Lincoln advised Fairbanks that if everyone stopped buying slaves, the slave trade would cease. Fairbanks explained that if he did not buy Eliza, the Frenchman would purchase her, and thus he chose to buy her to set her free, rejecting the idea of experiments during such critical moments.
4. Lincoln very shrewdly used psychology to get the donation for the Anti-Slavery Association. How did he convince his wife?
Answer: Lincoln initially suggested donating five hundred dollars, knowing his wife would consider it excessive. As anticipated, she reduced it to two hundred and fifty dollars, which was what Lincoln had intended to contribute from the beginning.
Answer these questions in detail
1. In his defence of Duff Armstrong, what line did Abraham Lincoln take up that shows he was a good lawyer?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln used the almanac to prove that the moon had set at 11.57 pm on the night of August 29, 1857, thereby invalidating Allen’s testimony that he saw the murder by moonlight. This strategic use of factual evidence from the almanac demonstrated his sharp legal acumen.
2. What did the following persons do towards abolishing slavery:
a. Fairbanks
Answer: Fairbanks actively worked for the abolition of slavery by being a Secretary of the Anti-Slavery Association and buying the slave girl, Eliza, at a high price only to set her free.
b. Lincoln
Answer: Lincoln worked towards abolishing slavery by creating laws to set slaves free, eventually proclaiming on January 1, 1863, through his famous proclamation, that all persons held as slaves in the United States shall be forever free.
3. Give two instances of each which show that Lincoln:
a. Had a sense of humour.
Answer: One instance is when Lincoln joked about himself saying, “He’ll take only boys between 18 to 25 and you’re twice twenty-five years old,” mocking his age while looking at advertisements for buying slaves. Another is when he humorously stated, “As much as I please is more than I can afford,” while discussing the donation amount with Fairbanks.
b. Was sarcastic.
Answer: Lincoln displayed sarcasm when he asked Mary, “Which one shall I buy, the woman with children or the one without children?” referring to advertisements for selling slaves. Another instance is when he remarked to Fairbanks, “Your Christianity is of no use unless it puts into you some common human decency,” criticizing the preacher’s actions of participating in the auction.
Beyond the text
Make a project file on Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King. What do you find in common between these two personalities?
Answer: Process for Creating a Project File on Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King
- Title Page:
- Create an attractive cover page with the title: “Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King: Icons of Equality”
- Add images of both leaders, their names, and a brief tagline such as “Champions of Justice and Human Rights.”
- Introduction:
- Write a brief introduction to both leaders, highlighting their roles in shaping history.
- Biography of Abraham Lincoln:
- Include his early life, political career, role in the abolition of slavery, and his presidency.
- Highlight major achievements such as the Emancipation Proclamation and his leadership during the Civil War.
- Biography of Martin Luther King Jr.:
- Describe his early life, leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, and advocacy for racial equality.
- Discuss major events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the “I Have a Dream” speech.
- Similarities Between Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King:
- Dedicate a section comparing their philosophies, struggles, and contributions.
- Impact and Legacy:
- Analyze the lasting impact of their work on society and human rights.
- Visuals:
- Include photographs, timelines, and quotes for better visual appeal.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize their shared vision for justice and equality and reflect on their relevance today.
Commonalities Between Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King
- Fight for Equality:
- Both fought tirelessly against racial discrimination. Lincoln abolished slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation, while King campaigned for civil rights and racial integration.
- Transformative Leadership:
- Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War preserved the Union and ended slavery. King’s leadership during the Civil Rights Movement brought significant changes in laws and public attitudes toward racial equality.
- Commitment to Nonviolence and Justice:
- While Lincoln took legal and political measures, King championed peaceful protests and nonviolent resistance.
- Endurance Against Opposition:
- Both faced severe opposition and criticism. Lincoln faced backlash for his anti-slavery stance, and King faced arrests, threats, and violence.
- Martyrdom:
- Both were assassinated for their beliefs, becoming martyrs for their respective causes.
- Inspirational Oratory:
- Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address, as well as King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, are monumental in advocating for equality and liberty.
Discussion
A similar situation to the one portrayed in the play still exists in our country, unfortunately, where certain communities or people are discriminated against on the basis of caste, colour or creed. Find out the names and work of people who have tried to alleviate these problems.
Answer: In our country, individuals like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who fought against caste discrimination and was instrumental in framing the Indian Constitution, and Mahatma Gandhi, who worked tirelessly to eradicate untouchability and promote equality, have significantly contributed to alleviating these social problems. Mother Teresa’s efforts for the underprivileged and marginalized and Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule’s advocacy for the education of lower-caste communities also deserve mention. These pioneers addressed various forms of discrimination and worked towards creating a more inclusive society.
Extras
Additional questions and answers
1. What is the relationship between Todd and Abraham Lincoln?
Answer: Todd is Abraham Lincoln’s brother-in-law, the brother of Lincoln’s wife, Mary.
24. Could Fairbanks’ actions be seen as hypocritical? Why or why not?
Answer: Fairbanks’ actions could be seen as hypocritical in the sense that he participates in the slave trade by bidding for slaves, seemingly perpetuating the system. However, his intent—to buy and immediately free the slaves—arguably justifies his actions. His methods reflect pragmatic altruism rather than hypocrisy, prioritizing the immediate liberation of individuals over the ideal of avoiding engagement with the system altogether.
Additional fill in the blanks
1. Slavery in the United States lasted until the passage of the ______ Amendment. (13th/14th)
Answer: 13th
30. Abraham Lincoln’s famous proclamation emphasized that all persons held as ______ shall be forever free. (slaves/bonded laborers)
Answer: slaves
Additional true and false
1. Abraham Lincoln believed it was impossible to fool all people all the time.
Answer: True
25. According to Lincoln, the moon was visible during the alleged crime in Duff’s case.
Answer: False
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
Get notes of other boards, classes, and subjects