Abraham Lincoln’s Image in Public Memory and the “House Divided” Speech

0 Commentsby Karen Linkletter  ·  04/15/10

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most revered figures in American history, and only relatively recently have scholars dared to challenge the “Lincoln as martyr” image in the public eye. As historians, we are used to nuanced, complex arguments; we challenge each other and accept that there is room for multiple interpretations of primary sources. However, most students and, as I was reminded recently, most of the American public do not see evidence this way. Particularly when they involve figures who are widely revered and admired, documents are often read to reinforce preexisting beliefs, rather than to attempt to understand the various ways the document might be interpreted. Lincoln is the man who “freed the slaves” and “saved the Union” to most Americans. He is a heroic figure, martyred on Good Friday, and revered as “Father Abraham” to many in his own time. A more complex interpretation of the man and his presidency, which involves raising issues of racial attitudes, personal relationships, and political ambitions, has the potential to shatter such a rosy view of the “Great Emancipator.”

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