Lecture on Abraham Lincoln, Ambrose Bierce, and Frederick Douglass

A series of flashcards covering key topics from the lecture on Abraham Lincoln, Ambrose Bierce, Frederick Douglass, and Negro Spirituals.

How is Abraham Lincoln's speaking and writing style described?

Abraham Lincoln used a clear, simple, and powerful style, making his speeches brief, direct, emotionally meaningful, and effective through repetition and strong moral ideas.

What is the rhetorical device in 'of the people, by the people, for the people'?

This is parallelism, a rhetorical device where similar grammatical structures are repeated to emphasize an idea.

What is an example of parallel structure in the Gettysburg Address?

'We cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow this ground.' This emphasizes that the soldiers’ sacrifice made the ground sacred.

What is another example of parallel structure from the Gettysburg Address?

'Government of the people, by the people, for the people.' This highlights Lincoln’s belief in democracy belonging to the citizens.

Describe Abraham Lincoln's educational background.

Lincoln had very little formal schooling (about one year) and was mostly self-educated, reading books and studying law independently.

Why is 'The world will little note nor long remember what we say here…' ironic?

It's ironic because the speech became one of the most famous and widely remembered speeches in history.

What major historical event influenced Ambrose Bierce’s writing?

Ambrose Bierce was strongly influenced by the American Civil War.

What aspects of war does Bierce focus on in his writings?

Bierce focuses on the violence, psychological fear, chaos, and harsh realities of war rather than heroic or romantic ideas.

What type of humor is Bierce known for?

Bierce is known for dark humor or cynical humor, highlighting grim, ironic, or tragic aspects of life with a sarcastic tone.

Who is Peyton Farquhar?

In 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge', Peyton Farquhar is a wealthy Southern plantation owner and Confederate supporter.

What is happening to Farquhar at the beginning of the story?

He is about to be hanged by Union soldiers on Owl Creek Bridge.

Describe the sound Farquhar hears as he awaits his fate.

He hears the ticking of his watch, which sounds extremely loud and painfully slow.

What details suggest that Farquhar escaped?

The rope appears to break, he dodges gunfire and cannon shots, and he travels through the forest towards home.

What reveals the truth at the end of 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge'?

The story ends with Farquhar dead, hanging from the bridge, revealing that the escape was only imagined.

What is the significance of the 'gray-clad soldier'?

The soldier is actually a Union scout in disguise who tricks Farquhar into trying to sabotage the bridge, leading to his capture.

How does Bierce use flashback in the story?

The story jumps back to earlier events showing how Farquhar was deceived by the disguised soldier.

How does the flashback build suspense in the story?

It explains why Farquhar is being executed, making readers realize he was manipulated, which increases tension.

What does Farquhar experience in moments before death?

He notices individual sounds, colors, and movements in extreme detail, contributing to psychological realism.

Who was Frederick Douglass?

Frederick Douglass was a former enslaved person who became a leading abolitionist, writer, and speaker, fighting for the end of slavery.

What did Douglass believe was the 'pathway from slavery to freedom'?

He believed education and literacy were the pathway to freedom.

How did Douglass learn to read and write?

He was taught the alphabet by Mrs. Auld and then secretly taught himself by reading and practicing writing.

Why were city slaves sometimes treated better?

In cities, slave owners were more concerned with public reputation, leading them to treat slaves less harshly.

What warning did Mr. Auld give his wife?

He warned that teaching a slave to read would make him 'unfit to be a slave.'

Why is Mr. Auld's warning ironic?

The warning revealed to Douglass that education was key to freedom, motivating him to learn more.

What effect does slavery have on slave owners, according to Douglass?

Slavery corrupts the character of slave owners, making them cruel, controlling, and morally damaged.

What are Negro spirituals?

Religious folk songs created by enslaved African Americans, expressing faith, suffering, and hope.

What cultural traditions influenced Negro spirituals?

African musical traditions and Christian hymns and Biblical stories.

What are two purposes of spirituals?

To express religious faith and hope for freedom and to communicate hidden messages among slaves.

What musical pattern is often used in Negro spirituals?

Call and response, where one singer leads and others answer.

Who were the Fisk University Jubilee Singers?

A group of students who performed spirituals around the world in the late 1800s, helping to preserve and popularize these songs.