Extra Credit Questions

[L Verge]

Excellent summation, Eva, with many of the elements that are drilled into prospective teachers in college. I also noted something that might explain some of Tad's erratic behavior: In Burlingame's Inner World (and we know that he had a very low opinion of Mary Lincoln), if his sources are correct in describing her almost violent attempts at discipline compared to her husband's complete lack of disciplinary skills, that situation might have contributed to some of Tad's problems.

Parents - under normal situations - should share almost identical methods in disciplining their children. Tad's little head must have been spinning at times, and of course he would gravitate to his very lenient father - who was likely using Tad somewhat as a surrogate for the adored Willie. The used teacher in me thinks this would be a perfect topic for a thesis from an education major.