EXERCISES
1. Note the three points of similarity in these addresses (1) both have as their subject Abraham Lincoln (2) both were delivered at Lincoln’s birthplace (3) both were delivered by Presidents of the United States.
2. Remembering that these addresses were prepared for listeners rather than for readers, have the best oral reader in your class read the addresses to you. Be sure to keep your booklets closed during the reading.
3. Which address do you like best? Read both through carefully and see if your opinion remains the same. Can you give reasons for your preference?
4. Notice the forceful contrasts in Roosevelt’s first paragraph. Fill the following blanks with appropriate words:
(a) “He grew to know ................. but never .............”
(b) “............... came to him, but never ............”
(c) “............... was his, but not ............”
(d) “His gaunt shoulders were ............. but his steel thews never ...............”
(e) “Disaster ............. but never ......... him.”
5. In what ways does Roosevelt say Washington and Lincoln differed? In what ways were they alike? (Note that Wilson makes a similar contrast.)
6. Fill the following blanks: “There have been other men as .......... and other men ...........; but in all the history of mankind there are no other two ............. men as .............. as these, no other two men as ...............”
7. What does Roosevelt say was the most wonderful thing about Lincoln?
8. Memorize “As the years roll by,” etc.
9. Read carefully the first paragraph of Wilson’s address. Put in your own words his argument based on the phrase “Every man can see how it demonstrates the vigor of democracy.”
10. Continuing the same idea, what does Wilson say is “the sacred mystery of democracy”?
11. Explain the phrase “He walked serenely to his death.”
12. The paragraph beginning “I have read many biographies of Lincoln” is very beautiful, and very difficult. Attempt to put the thought of the paragraph into your own words, rewriting as many times as you find it necessary.
13. Notice that both orators point out that the contemplation of Lincoln’s life leads to better citizenship. Expand this idea in your own words.