Lincoln (novel)

The novel is part of Gore Vidal’s ‘Narratives of Empire’ series and joins his other works; Burr (1973), 1876 (1976) and Washington D.C. (1967) as chronicles of America. In the series, Vidal offers works of historical fiction that reinterpret American history starting from the American Revolution and spanning past World War II.[1]

The book is never narrated from Lincoln’s perspective. Rather, the reader views Lincoln through the eyes of his enemies, friends, political rivalries and even those who sought to kill him. Significant characters include Lincoln’s cabinet secretaries; William Seward, Salmon Chase as well as Kate Sprague, John Hay, Mary Todd Lincoln and David Herold.

Much of the writing is presented through dramatic, flamboyant dialogue. Vidal favours this over narration or observational writing, attempting to convey his own personal wit and charisma through his characters.[2]

The novel is not simply a work of historical fiction, but with Lincoln's personal and political development it is also a Bildungsroman.[3] Lincoln's development starts with the slow mobilisation and unification of his inner Cabinet, climaxes with his military victory and political restoration of the Union and is completed with his assassination

The novel commences on February 23 1861 as Lincoln, the incumbent president, is leaving his Illinois legal practice to Washington. It is in Washington where a majority of the novel is set. Washington is depicted as turbulent and deteriorating with infestations of pests, poor infrastructure and an incomplete Washington Monument. [4] The novel extends across Lincoln’s entire term of office throughout the American civil war. It offers a detailed and extensive narrative, with the book totalling over 650 pages. It primarily focuses on Lincoln's efforts to unite and mobilise political adversaries and military strategists to ultimately win the war. It is through the various perspectives of other characters that Vidal portrays an ambitious visionary who struggles with an unstable marriage, physical ailments and the failing trust of his fellow cabinet members.[5] The novel also explores Lincoln’s growth as he overcomes these personal and political burdens to ultimately triumph and preserve the union.[6] Vidal completes the novel with President Lincoln’s assassination.

The central thematic development is the reinterpretation of the idealistic, sentimental ‘Honest Abe.’ Vidal depicts a politically cunning, dictatorial leader whose primary motivation was not the liberation of African American slaves nor adherence to the Constitution, but the preservation of the Union. Vidal even goes far enough to contend that Lincoln held an unshaken belief of white superiority and was willing to 'bend the Constitution,' although this has been significantly criticised.[7] Vidal believes that it was Lincoln's willingness to act unilaterally and suspend democratic principles such as habeas corpus that allowed him to succeed in his unflinching pursuit of unification. He jailed hostile newspaper editors, political opponents and even employed the Secret Service to inspect private communications. [3]

Vidal follows the complex politics of the cabinet and congress. Initially, Lincoln faces political opponents who constantly doubt and undermine his leadership. Indeed, many of Congressman viewed Lincoln as mild-mannered and weak. However, as the novel progresses, the reader comes to understand that Lincoln purposely and cleverly masks his true emotions. Vidal contends that Lincoln's greatest leadership quality is his introverted nature. Dealing with treacherous politicians, arrogant generals and critics, Lincoln was shrewd and cunning to masterfully navigate the United States to unification as a Republic. Despite the incompetent military strategists and petty, squabbling politicians, Lincoln was aware that his primary goal was to hold the North together for as long as possible. This was because the battle was one of attrition and Lincoln knew that the South's smaller population would be exhausted first.

Ultimately, even Lincoln's political rivalries come to respect his leadership. William Seward, once a fierce opponent and underminer of Lincoln transforms into a devoted servant.

There were also shortcomings of Lincoln. He is depicted as hopelessly naive in dealing with the remarkable costs of financing the war and dealing with the US Treasury. He also struggles as a father. His son, Robert, confides in Hay and reveals that he feels neglected. He comes to resent his father's political ambition that caused him to be so preoccupied and distant. [6] His wife's mood swings and insatiable spending further challenge Lincoln's stoicism, however whilst the marriage is turbulent. the two seem to share a strong bond.[8]

With frequent light-hearted ‘outlandish’ anecdotes and humour, Vidal sought to also explore the human side of Lincoln. [9] Vidal perceived Lincoln's humour as a necessity to dealing with his many great burdens. [6]

Lincoln deeply loved his wife and struggled greatly with her mental collapse. She is depicted as a vulnerability in Lincoln's political tactics, frequently clashing with Congressman.

Nonetheless, Vidal's representation of Mary is mostly positive. She is seen as an intelligent and decent person who unfortunately succumbs to fits of insanity characterised by wild mood swings and insatiable spending.[6]

John Hay was Lincoln's personal secretary. He is represented as a close friend and confidant of Lincoln. He was a young man at the time of Lincoln's presidency and was energetic and high-spirited, even through the more challenging times of the war.[3]

Seward was the U.S secretary of State and is depicted as a handsome, yet politically cunning rivalry of Lincoln. Initially Seward was a believer that the Southern States should be allowed to pursue their legal right of independence, however under Lincoln's impressive leadership he came to understand the importance of unification. He is an outspoken member of Lincoln's cabinet, and oversaw the war effort.[5]

Salmon was the Secretary of the U.S Treasury. He, like many other politicians, doubted Lincoln's leadership ability believing the role was too great for someone he believed to be ordinary. He comes to regret his opinion of Lincoln when he finally becomes aware of Lincoln's greatness.[3]

Edwin Stanton, was the U.S. secretary of war. Stanton was tasked with repairing the poor reputation and image of the War Department that was due to his predecessor's mismanagement. He is represented as a large, firm man who often was condescending to others' contribution. He did not have a favourable opinion of Lincoln, but nonetheless worked hard under his command.[8]

John Booth, Lincoln's assassin

Herold and Booth are the coconspirators who devised and successfully executed a plan to assassinate Lincoln.

Herold despises Lincoln's attempts at unification. He is depicted as unintelligent and frequently engages in debauchery, visiting many brothels throughout his travels in America. He eventually finds a group of like-minded individuals who also seek to kill Lincoln, and it is here where he meets Booth.

John Booth is the assassin of Lincoln. Booth is not as incompetent as Herold, but is also a hate-filled enemy of Lincoln. He seeks to avenge the defeat of the South, and stalks Lincoln throughout the novel, swearing revenge. His narrative climaxes with the assassination of Lincoln and subsequent daring escape. [4]