Lincoln in the Bardo Flashcards

The Bardo and Buddhism

• "The bardo" is a concept from Buddhism referring to the transitional state between death and rebirth.

Lincoln's Personal Tragedy

• In 1862, Lincoln experienced the death of his son Willie, profoundly affecting him.

Lincoln's State Dinner Reactions

• Publicly, guests expressed that the state dinner was inappropriate during wartime.
• Privately, guests enjoyed the extravagant nature of the dinner.

Perceptions of Willie

• Willie was noted for his maturity and good manners, similar to his father's demeanor.

Cemetery Interactions

• Lincoln requests access to the cemetery after hours from the watchman to visit his son.

Undead Behavior

• Upon rising from their graves, the undead maintain traditional gender roles from their living days.

Critiques of American Funerals

• Hans and Roger criticize American funerals for focusing on appearances rather than honoring the deceased.

Mood Shift in the Cemetery

• Willie's burial alters the cemetery's atmosphere, particularly when Lincoln cradles his son post-burial.

Jane's Dreams and Concerns

• As a child, Jane dreamed of traveling and marrying a prince, yet now she worries about her daughters' well-being.

Tension with Mrs. Abigail Blass

• Mrs. Abigail Blass finds Jane bothersome due to her constant interruptions.

Temptations for the Undead

• Angels, resembling people the undead knew, are sent to tempt them away from their graves.

Captain William Prince's Fate

• Captain Prince is trapped in the cemetery, seeking forgiveness for infidelity.

Discontent Among Cemetery Inhabitants

• After Prince's disappearance, lesser members curse his grave, driven not by malice but a sense of justice.

Opinions on The Reverend

• Hans and Roger perceive The Reverend as overly proper and lacking a sense of fun.

Heart Judgment Description

• The Reverend describes the heart judgment place as having marble flooring, a gold chair for the judge, and a scale for heart placement.

Swimsuit Judgement

• A man from Maine wears a swimsuit during judgment due to drowning while swimming.

Key Characters

• Thomas Havens: An educated male slave representing the struggles of African Americans.
• Litzie Wright: A female slave who suffered continuous sexual violence throughout her life.

Living World Reference

• Mrs. Francis Hodge's question "Here, as there?" pertains to the connection between the living and the dead.

Public Opinions on Lincoln

• Many newspapers in 1862 criticized Lincoln, branding him a poor president.

Voices in Willie's Crypt

• The voices emanating from Willie's crypt belong to souls who have descended into hell.

British Man's Sin

• The British man is condemned for committing a massacre.

Reverend's Actions with Willie

• Following instructions from the voices, The Reverend runs with Willie towards the church.

Roger's Death Revelation

• Roger's demise is revealed to be a suicide by wrist-slitting, highlighting a tragic end.

Test your knowledge of key concepts and events from George Saunders' 'Lincoln in the Bardo'. These flashcards cover essential details about Lincoln's life, the bardo in Buddhism, and public perceptions of his actions during the Civil War. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the novel and its historical context.