Summary
The play "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" explores the early years of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing his early struggles and gradual rise to prominence. The narrative is divided into three acts, each highlighting key moments in Lincoln's life, from his youth in New Salem to his political career in Springfield and eventual presidency. Through its portrayal of Lincoln's personal and professional challenges, the story offers insight into the character and convictions shaping one of America's most iconic leaders.
Act I: New Beginnings
Set in the 1830s, the first act of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" unfolds in the rural surroundings of New Salem, Illinois. Scene 1 introduces us to a young Abraham Lincoln, diligently learning English under Mentor Graham's guidance. At this point in his life, Lincoln is grappling with financial hardships and dreams of venturing westward to escape his failures. Graham advises him humorously, "just bear in mind that there are always two professions open to people who fail at everything else: there’s school teaching, and there’s politics." This scene sets the stage for a recurring theme: Lincoln's contemplation of mortality, sparked by his mother's death and burial. Graham encourages Lincoln with readings from Daniel Webster's unifying speech and John Keats' poem, "On Death."
Scene 2 shifts to the bustling Rutledge Tavern, where Lincoln serves as the local postmaster. Here, his reputation among the uneducated locals is evident. Judge Bowling Green and Joshua Speed introduce Ninian Edwards, the governor's son, to Lincoln. They discuss Ann Rutledge, the tavern owner's daughter, whose engagement has become a source of humiliation due to her fiancé's disappearance. A group of ruffians, led by Jack Armstrong, threatens a fight, but Lincoln skillfully averts the conflict, earning respect from the community. Green, Speed, and Edwards urge Lincoln to run for the state assembly, aware of his influential status. Despite being burdened by debt from a failed business, he considers their proposal. Meanwhile, Lincoln receives two significant letters: one from Seth Gale announcing his return to the family farm, and another from Ann's fiancé, confirming he won't return. Lincoln confesses his love for Ann and resolves to pursue politics to win her love, seeking out Bowling Green to accept the nomination.
In Scene 3, Lincoln returns from the state assembly in Vandalia, drawn back by Ann Rutledge's illness. The scene unfolds at Bowling Green's home, where Lincoln stays during his visit. Green, his wife Nancy, and Josh Speed discuss Lincoln's devotion to Ann, his business failures, and his lackluster performance in the legislature. Lincoln is devastated by Ann's death and, overwhelmed, contemplates leaving, but his friends persuade him to rest.
Act II: The Lawyer's Path
The second act transports us to the 1840s, centering on Springfield, Illinois, now the state capital. At thirty-one, Lincoln has established himself as a lawyer. Scene 4 takes place in his law office, where he discusses the contentious issue of slavery with his clerk, Billy Herndon. Lincoln argues for respecting states' sovereignty regarding slavery, yet maintains a pacifist stance, opposed to violent conflict. Green and Speed visit, engaging Lincoln in a broader discussion about the South's secession threats. Ninian Edwards invites them to a party, hoping Lincoln will meet Mary Todd, his sister-in-law, among other potential suitors.
Scene 5 shifts to the Edwards' residence, where Elizabeth Edwards disapproves of Mary's interest in Lincoln, despite Ninian's acknowledgment of his political promise. Mary, however, perceives Lincoln as a man with untapped potential, unrestrained by false security. Lincoln arrives, declaring his intention to represent Duff Armstrong, Jack Armstrong's son, accused of murder. Despite Duff's apparent guilt, Lincoln takes the case out of loyalty.
Returning to Lincoln's office...
(This entire section contains 1088 words.)
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in Scene 6, a few weeks later, Lincoln asks Josh Speed to read a letter meant to break his engagement with Mary. Reflective after attending Bowling Green's funeral earlier that day, Lincoln contemplates life's fleeting nature. Ninian Edwards cautions Lincoln about Mary's ambitions, warning, "My wife tells me that even as a child she had delusions of grandeur—she predicted to one and all that the man she would marry would be President of the United States." Despite reservations, Speed and Herndon advise against ending the engagement, considering it an avoidance of social responsibility.
Scene 7 finds Lincoln on the vast prairie near New Salem, two years after breaking his engagement. He encounters Seth Gale, who is now free and traveling westward with his family. Their journey is marred by their son’s illness. Joined by Jack Armstrong, Lincoln searches for a doctor. The conversation turns to the question of whether new western states will permit slavery. Lincoln's friends persuade him to pray over the sick child, showcasing his renowned oratory prowess.
In the brief Scene 8, Lincoln returns to the Edwards' home, where he shares his newfound insights on life and responsibility with Mary. He proposes, pledging never to shirk his duties again.
Act III: The Road to Presidency
The final act is set in Springfield. Scene 9 captures the iconic Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858. Stephen Douglas argues for the North's acceptance of Southern slavery, while Lincoln insists that the nation cannot endure as a divided entity, half slave and half free, and opposes the South’s secession.
Scene 10 transitions to the Edwards' house, where Lincoln visits with his family. He recounts the prairie doctor search from Scene 7 to his sons. Mary is incensed upon learning that a committee of politicians is visiting to discuss a potential presidential run—she frets over the house's state. The committee members hold varied opinions on Lincoln as a candidate. Businessman Sturveson doubts Lincoln's alignment with business interests, while clergyman Barrick is uneasy about Lincoln's lack of church affiliation. Political operative Crimmin, however, is impressed by Lincoln’s adept handling of their skepticism, seeing his potential for election success.
Scene 11 brings us to Lincoln’s campaign headquarters on election night in 1860. The count is tense, with Lincoln trailing yet closing the gap. Mary becomes distressed, prompting Lincoln to lose his temper. He soon apologizes, but the moment feels ruined for Mary. As the results finalize, Lincoln emerges victorious. A security officer, Kavanagh, swiftly attaches himself to Lincoln, tasked with protecting him from Southern threats on his life. Security personnel now stand between Lincoln and the public who elected him.
In the concluding Scene 12, Lincoln boards a train to Washington. Kavanagh discusses the dangers Lincoln faces, hinting at future assassination threats. In a poignant speech to his fellow Illinoisans, Lincoln speaks of the imperative to preserve the Union, even at the cost of war. As his train departs, the crowd joins in song, bidding farewell to their departing leader.
