Lincoln in the Bardo Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Which religion does 'the bardo' refer to?

Christianity

Hinduism

Judaism

Buddhism (correct)

What personal tragedy did Lincoln experience in 1862?

His son Willie died

Publicly, what did the guests say about Lincoln's state dinner?

That it was too much for a time of war

Privately, what did the guests say about Lincoln's state dinner?

They enjoyed it; it was extravagant Signup and view all the answers

What did people say about Willie?

He was very mature for his age; great mannered young boy, just like his father. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lincoln ask of the cemetery watchman?

To let him in the cemetery after hours to see his son Signup and view all the answers

When the undead come out of their graves for the first time, how do they act toward each other?

They still play gender roles as if they were still alive Signup and view all the answers

What specific criticism do Hans and Roger have about American funerals?

That they are not about the dead person; they just dress you up how they want and never come back after Signup and view all the answers

Why does Willie's burial change the overall mood of the cemetery?

Because his dad came back and held him afterwards Signup and view all the answers

What did Jane daydream about as a child?

To travel the world and marry a prince Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane constantly worry about now that she's dead?

Her daughters and how her husband is taking care of them Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Abigail Blass feel about Jane?

She finds her annoying; interrupts her constantly Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of beings are sent to tempt the undead away from their graves?

Angels in the form of people they knew when they were living Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason Captain William Prince is trapped in the cemetery?

He cheated on his wife with a prostitute and he needs to be forgiven Signup and view all the answers

What did the 'lesser members' of the cemetery do after Captain William Prince disappeared?

They peed on his grave and cursed it; but not out of meanness Signup and view all the answers

How do Hans and Roger feel about The Reverend?

That he doesn't ever want to have fun; he's too proper Signup and view all the answers

How does The Reverend describe the place where hearts are judged? (list 3 characteristics)

Marble flooring, gold chair with judge, scale where heart is placed Signup and view all the answers

Why does the man from Maine wear a swimsuit while being judged?

He died while swimming and drowned Signup and view all the answers

Who is Thomas Havens?

An educated, male slave Signup and view all the answers

Who is Litzie Wright?

A woman slave that was raped throughout her whole life Signup and view all the answers

When Mrs. Francis Hodge says 'Here, as there?' to Thomas, what is she referring to?

The living world Signup and view all the answers

What are many newspapers saying about Lincoln in 1862?

He is a terrible president Signup and view all the answers

Where do the voices in Willie's crypt originate from?

Souls that have gone to hell Signup and view all the answers

What sin did the British man commit?

Massacre Signup and view all the answers

What does The Reverend do after picking Willie up as instructed by the voices?

He runs with him towards the church Signup and view all the answers

Near the end of the novel, it is revealed how Roger died. How did he die?

Suicide; slit his wrists Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.