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Questions and Answers
Which religion does 'the bardo' refer to?
Which religion does 'the bardo' refer to?
- Christianity
- Hinduism
- Judaism
- Buddhism (correct)
What personal tragedy did Lincoln experience in 1862?
What personal tragedy did Lincoln experience in 1862?
His son Willie died
Publicly, what did the guests say about Lincoln's state dinner?
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?
Privately, what did the guests say about Lincoln's state dinner?
What did people say about Willie?
What did people say about Willie?
What does Lincoln ask of the cemetery watchman?
What does Lincoln ask of the cemetery watchman?
When the undead come out of their graves for the first time, how do they act toward each other?
When the undead come out of their graves for the first time, how do they act toward each other?
What specific criticism do Hans and Roger have about American funerals?
What specific criticism do Hans and Roger have about American funerals?
Why does Willie's burial change the overall mood of the cemetery?
Why does Willie's burial change the overall mood of the cemetery?
What did Jane daydream about as a child?
What did Jane daydream about as a child?
What does Jane constantly worry about now that she's dead?
What does Jane constantly worry about now that she's dead?
How does Mrs. Abigail Blass feel about Jane?
How does Mrs. Abigail Blass feel about Jane?
What kinds of beings are sent to tempt the undead away from their graves?
What kinds of beings are sent to tempt the undead away from their graves?
What is the reason Captain William Prince is trapped in the cemetery?
What is the reason Captain William Prince is trapped in the cemetery?
What did the 'lesser members' of the cemetery do after Captain William Prince disappeared?
What did the 'lesser members' of the cemetery do after Captain William Prince disappeared?
How do Hans and Roger feel about The Reverend?
How do Hans and Roger feel about The Reverend?
How does The Reverend describe the place where hearts are judged? (list 3 characteristics)
How does The Reverend describe the place where hearts are judged? (list 3 characteristics)
Why does the man from Maine wear a swimsuit while being judged?
Why does the man from Maine wear a swimsuit while being judged?
Who is Thomas Havens?
Who is Thomas Havens?
Who is Litzie Wright?
Who is Litzie Wright?
When Mrs. Francis Hodge says 'Here, as there?' to Thomas, what is she referring to?
When Mrs. Francis Hodge says 'Here, as there?' to Thomas, what is she referring to?
What are many newspapers saying about Lincoln in 1862?
What are many newspapers saying about Lincoln in 1862?
Where do the voices in Willie's crypt originate from?
Where do the voices in Willie's crypt originate from?
What sin did the British man commit?
What sin did the British man commit?
What does The Reverend do after picking Willie up as instructed by the voices?
What does The Reverend do after picking Willie up as instructed by the voices?
Near the end of the novel, it is revealed how Roger died. How did he die?
Near the end of the novel, it is revealed how Roger died. How did he die?
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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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