Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

Similar to Elizabeth, Chiaverini ignores the bulk of Mary Lincoln’s background leading up to her time as the first lady. Moreover, Mrs. Lincoln’s character develops through Elizabeth’s perspective, providing a nuanced outsider’s view of this dynamic character. Elizabeth becomes acquainted with Mrs. Lincoln’s emotional distress and angry outbursts upon her first dress tailoring job: “There she found Mrs. Lincoln in her dressing gown, in a terrible state of excitement despite her companions’ attempts to soothe her. ‘I cannot go down,’ Mrs. Lincoln exclaimed, tearing herself from a cousin’s embrace” (32). While most other characters dismiss Mrs. Lincoln as hysterical, Elizabeth understands and empathizes with the reason for her heightened emotions. However, those closest to Mrs. Lincoln possess a more limited compassion, leading to Mrs. Lincoln frequently feeling isolated, lonely, and misunderstood.

A strongly opinionated woman, Mrs. Lincoln’s character primarily serves to illustrate the Consequences for the Families of Public Figures. Years after Mr. Lincoln’s assassination, Elizabeth continues to observe how “people who despised Mrs. Lincoln and were glad to see her brought low; and unrepentant secessionists and other political enemies seeking evidence to confirm their suspicions of treachery, indecency, and corruption” (324). Mrs. Lincoln faced cruel scrutiny during and after her years as first lady, and the criticism distressed her greatly. Having been viewed as an annoyance by Mr. Lincoln’s colleagues, Mrs. Lincoln is punished with a low pension and no way to support herself and her sons safely. Although skilled, Mrs. Lincoln would endure further embarrassment if she were to work in a position beneath her social standing. Mrs. Lincoln allows her pride to stand before earning her own paycheck.

Often ignorant of her privilege, Mrs. Lincoln builds on Complexities in Friendships Across Racial and Social Divides through her interactions with Elizabeth. Elizabeth makes tremendous professional sacrifices to accompany Mrs. Lincoln to Chicago after Mr. Lincoln’s death. There, Mrs. Lincoln does not attempt to show gratitude for her living situation, which is charming from Elizabeth’s perspective. “‘What a dreary place, Elizabeth,’ she lamented, propping herself up on her elbow and wiping tears from the corner of her eyes with her other wrist” (245). Mrs. Lincoln is seemingly unaware that her living conditions are far superior to Elizabeth’s in Washington. She demonstrates tremendous entitlement in believing she deserves finery and an expensive dwelling without working for her accommodations. Elizabeth enjoys no such luxury, having endured a far more difficult life than Mrs. Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln often credits Elizabeth with being her closest friend, yet she only wants Elizabeth around when she needs something from her.Similar to Elizabeth, Chiaverini ignores the bulk of Mary Lincoln’s background leading up to her time as the first lady. Moreover, Mrs. Lincoln’s character develops through Elizabeth’s perspective, providing a nuanced outsider’s view of this dynamic character. Elizabeth becomes acquainted with Mrs. Lincoln’s emotional distress and angry outbursts upon her first dress tailoring job: “There she found Mrs. Lincoln in her dressing gown, in a terrible state of excitement despite her companions’ attempts to soothe her. ‘I cannot go down,’ Mrs. Lincoln exclaimed, tearing herself from a cousin’s embrace” (32). While most other characters dismiss Mrs. Lincoln as hysterical, Elizabeth understands and empathizes with the reason for her heightened emotions. However, those closest to Mrs. Lincoln possess a more limited compassion, leading to Mrs. Lincoln frequently feeling isolated, lonely, and misunderstood.

A strongly opinionated woman, Mrs. Lincoln’s character primarily serves to illustrate the Consequences for the Families of Public Figures. Years after Mr. Lincoln’s assassination, Elizabeth continues to observe how “people who despised Mrs. Lincoln and were glad to see her brought low; and unrepentant secessionists and other political enemies seeking evidence to confirm their suspicions of treachery, indecency, and corruption” (324). Mrs. Lincoln faced cruel scrutiny during and after her years as first lady, and the criticism distressed her greatly. Having been viewed as an annoyance by Mr. Lincoln’s colleagues, Mrs. Lincoln is punished with a low pension and no way to support herself and her sons safely. Although skilled, Mrs. Lincoln would endure further embarrassment if she were to work in a position beneath her social standing. Mrs. Lincoln allows her pride to stand before earning her own paycheck.

Often ignorant of her privilege, Mrs. Lincoln builds on Complexities in Friendships Across Racial and Social Divides through her interactions with Elizabeth. Elizabeth makes tremendous professional sacrifices to accompany Mrs. Lincoln to Chicago after Mr. Lincoln’s death. There, Mrs. Lincoln does not attempt to show gratitude for her living situation, which is charming from Elizabeth’s perspective. “‘What a dreary place, Elizabeth,’ she lamented, propping herself up on her elbow and wiping tears from the corner of her eyes with her other wrist” (245). Mrs. Lincoln is seemingly unaware that her living conditions are far superior to Elizabeth’s in Washington. She demonstrates tremendous entitlement in believing she deserves finery and an expensive dwelling without working for her accommodations. Elizabeth enjoys no such luxury, having endured a far more difficult life than Mrs. Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln often credits Elizabeth with being her closest friend, yet she only wants Elizabeth around when she needs something from her.

For the most part, Elizabeth builds Mr. Lincoln up as a God among men. In her final interview with Mr. Fry, Elizabeth confesses,

‘I have almost worshipped Abraham Lincoln,’ she admitted. ‘He was as kind and considerate in his treatment of me as he was of any of the white people about the White House. In that he manifested the consistency of his belief that all human beings are created equal in the sight of God’ (346).

In addition to viewing Mr. Lincoln as a hero and a savior, Elizabeth admires Mr. Lincoln as an outstanding father and affectionate husband. He delights in simple pleasures like his pet goats and a slow-moving terrapin. Mr. Lincoln appreciates music and the theater, especially when in the company of his friends and family. He takes guidance from his religion and believes in the power of forgiveness and reunification.

With that said, Elizabeth readily admits that Mr. Lincoln has flaws and makes mistakes. Reading criticism about Mr. Lincoln from other abolitionists, Elizabeth thinks, “Mr. Lincoln did not have a perfect record of dealing with the colored race, as Elizabeth would be among the first to admit, but he was learning” (191). In recognizing that he is imperfect, Elizabeth establishes that Mr. Lincoln is merely human, though she refers to him as “the Moses of her people” (228). Knowing he is just a man makes his humanitarian advancements all the more impressive.

While all three Lincoln sons remain stagnant characters, their interactions with their parents and Elizabeth influence these characters considerably, often driving the plot forward.

Although Robert attempts to fill Abraham’s position as head of the house, he fails to show Mrs. Lincoln the same affection and patience that Mr. Lincoln afforded his wife. Moreover, he demonstrates ignorance and impatience with Elizabeth when the family moves to Chicago. Robert speaks condescendingly to Elizabeth: “Since you do not have to stay here, you can safely say as much about the charming situation as you please. [...] But candidly, I would almost as soon be dead as be compelled to remain three months in this dreary house” (245). Lacking tact, Robert shows his ignorance when he speaks so dismissively to Elizabeth. Robert grew up comfortably in a world that caters to his gender and race, though he seems completely unaware of his privilege. Later, Robert forces Mrs. Lincoln into a psychiatric hospital, demonstrating his failure to develop empathy and compassion for others.

Willie’s death permanently alters Mrs. Lincoln’s priorities in the White House. Mrs. Lincoln feels responsible for her son’s death: “‘His decline began on the night of my lavish reception,’ she said bitterly. ‘What clearer sign do I need of God’s judgment than that?’” (85). Mrs. Lincoln concerns herself less with entertaining and levees after Willie’s death, focusing more on her spirituality and the security of her family. For good reason, Mrs. Lincoln lives in constant fear that someone will attempt to harm Mr. Lincoln.

Tad’s disrespectful attitude with Mrs. Lincoln while he learns to read underscores his privilege as a white male, a quality Mrs. Lincoln overlooks but Elizabeth reflects upon: “If a white child appeared dull, he and he alone was thought to suffer from a lack of intelligence or a deficient education, but if a colored boy appeared dull, the entire race was deemed unintelligent” (249). Elizabeth could more easily forgive the occasional insensitivity she observes from the Lincolns while Mr. Lincoln fought diligently for an end to slavery. Without Mr. Lincoln as a buffer, Elizabeth struggles to release her emotional response to the Lincolns’ entitlement.

Virginia offers genuine friendship to Elizabeth, contrasting directly with Elizabeth’s relationship with Mrs. Lincoln. In the novel’s exposition, Virginia shows concern for Elizabeth’s safety and well-being should Elizabeth choose to move to the South: “‘Don’t go,’ Virginia implored after one late-night talk in her parlor. ‘If you change your mind, you may not be able to come home’” (15). Virginia demonstrates genuine concern for Elizabeth because she cares profoundly for her friend. In contrast, Mrs. Lincoln only keeps Elizabeth around when she can serve the family. Often, she does so without paying Elizabeth, using their friendship as a guise to extort Elizabeth’s labor. Mrs. Lincoln would never act in kind to support Elizabeth; when George dies, Mrs. Lincoln does not rush to Elizabeth’s aid as Elizabeth does for Mrs. Lincoln after Willie and Mr. Lincoln’s deaths. Virginia consoles Elizabeth, serving as a pillar of support and distracting her as she faces her first year of occasions (Christmas, Easter, birthdays, etc.) without George. Elizabeth’s friendship with Virginia contrasts the transactional nature of Mrs. Lincoln’s friendship with Elizabeth.