Using Lincoln’s “A House Divided” speech, Walt Whitman’s “O Captain! My Captain!” poem, and Jane Addams’s “Influence of Lincoln” memoir chapter, you are going to write an expository essay of at least 750 words to answer the question: “What American ideal(s) does Abraham Lincoln embody?” To get started, think about our discussion of Lincoln’s speech and reread “O Captain! My Captain!” and “Influence of Lincoln.” Identify the American ideals and Lincoln’s embodiment of them.

Remember, your answer is your interpretation. It should be stated as a thesis following your introduction and leading into the body paragraphs. Use excerpts from the readings to support your response. Don't forget to edit your essay for spelling, grammar, and clarity. Use MLA guidelines for in-text citations and a works cited page. Click here to view the MLA Style Guide.