Lincoln’s ‘House Divided’: A Call Against Slavery

Lincoln’s ‘House Divided’: A Call Against Slavery

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Lincoln’s ‘House Divided’: A Call Against Slavery

Topic #1:  (Relating to “The Quadroons”). In addition to its literary significance, the short fictional story “The Quadroons” is important because of its historically persuasive message/theme. Lydia Maria Child wrote this story to be included in an anti-slavery publication called The Liberty Bell, first published in 1842. This was nineteen years before the Civil War began in 1861, but the Abolitionist Movement (to abolish slavery) was gaining strength and momentum. Child’s purpose was to show the emotional, spiritual, and physical devastation caused by slavery, particularly to readers in the Northern states. Many people in the North (where slavery had been abolished for the most part by 1800) knew of slavery only from a distance, literally and figuratively. Child provides a fictional but also realistic example of life in a state where slavery was legal, in this case, Georgia. By the end of this story, all of the key characters are dead, similar to what we would expect to see in a Shakespearean tragedy. In this case, the tragedy is slavery itself. How effective do you think “The Quadroons” is in illustrating the author’s and other Abolitionists’ ethical/moral/legal views about slavery? A common question at the time was “how could Xarifa become a slave when neither she nor her mother, Rosalie, had ever been slaves?” The story answers this question in a way that was surprising and appalling to readers who were unfamiliar with these circumstances of slavery. Discuss your thoughts on these issues and any others that are relevant to the story.

Topic #2:  (Relating to “The Quadroons”). As stated in the above topic, this story is undoubtedly a tragedy for all the main characters, but particularly for Rosalie and Xarifa. Lydia Maria Child’s fictional but also realistic story has elements of Shakespearean and Ancient Greek tragedy as well. For example, all the main characters are dead before the story ends. Some of these characters, particularly Edward have “fatal flaws” that contribute to their own deaths and the overall tragedy of the story. In Edward’s case, he allows his political ambitions to take precedence over his love for Rosalie, even though he regrets this decision almost immediately. In fact, he becomes so miserable in his loveless marriage to Charlotte that he becomes an alcoholic and dies when he falls off his horse, which he was riding while drunk. In addition, the central tragedy of this story is that all the characters are living under the rules and laws of an evil system: slavery. No matter how well intentioned many of these individual characters are, they are doomed by the system under which they must live. Even though Edward does everything he can to protect his daughter, Xarifa, and Charlotte continues this support and protection after Edward dies, nothing can prevent what ultimately happens to Xarifa, even her beloved George, who also tries to rescue her and ends up being shot and killed. The slave who acts as a “double agent” and betrays Xarifa is also a victim of the evil system. How does this interpretation align with the author’s purpose in revealing the hopelessness of living with the evil of slavery? Discuss your thoughts on these issues and any other aspects of the story that you find interesting. 

Topic #3:  (Relating to Lincoln’s “House Divided” Speech).  Delivered at the Illinois State Capitol in 1858 after Lincoln had accepted the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination for U.S. Senator, this is one of his most famous speeches leading up to the Civil War. Although Lincoln lost this 1858 Senate election, many historians believe that this speech had a significant role in his winning the Presidential election in 1860. His position on slavery is clear, and he does not hesitate to explain his reasons with strong, supporting evidence. He is also very clear about his Democratic opponent’s position on slavery (Stephen Douglas). Lincoln draws upon a variety of moral, ethical, and religious beliefs in this speech, including the Biblical quotation from the New Testament about “a house divided.” Discuss the specific evidence that Lincoln uses to make this speech as powerful and persuasive as it is. Also discuss any other aspects of the speech that you choose. 

 

RUBRIC
Excellent Quality 95-100%	Introduction 45-41 points The background and significance of the problem and a clear statement of the research purpose is provided. The search history is mentioned.		Literature Support 91-84  points The background and significance of the problem and a clear statement of the research purpose is provided. The search history is mentioned.			Methodology 58-53 points Content is well-organized with headings for each slide and bulleted lists to group related material as needed. Use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance readability and presentation content is excellent. Length requirements of 10 slides/pages or less is met.
Average Score 50-85%	40-38 points More depth/detail for the background and significance is needed, or the research detail is not clear. No search history information is provided.		83-76  points Review of relevant theoretical literature is evident, but there is little integration of studies into concepts related to problem. Review is partially focused and organized. Supporting and opposing research are included. Summary of information presented is included. Conclusion may not contain a biblical integration.			52-49  points Content is somewhat organized, but no structure is apparent. The use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. is occasionally detracting to the presentation content. Length requirements may not be met.
Poor Quality 0-45%	37-1 points The background and/or significance are missing. No search history information is provided.		75-1 points Review of relevant theoretical literature is evident, but there is no integration of studies into concepts related to problem. Review is partially focused and organized. Supporting and opposing research are not included in the summary of information presented. Conclusion does not contain a biblical integration.			48-1 points There is no clear or logical organizational structure. No logical sequence is apparent. The use of font, color, graphics, effects etc. is often detracting to the presentation content. Length requirements may not be met
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