65 pages • 2 hours read
Jennifer ChiaveriniMrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Historical Context: Elizabeth Keckley
Content Warning: This section discusses the physical abuse and rape of an enslaved person.
Chiaverini’s fictional account of Elizabeth Keckley opens when life undoubtedly improved for the historical figure. Born into slavery in 1818 in Virginia, Elizabeth was likely conceived via rape (Mann, Lina. “From Slavery to the White House: The Extraordinary Life of Elizabeth Keckley.” The White House Historical Association, 14 Sept. 2020). Her mother, Agness Hobbs, became pregnant by Colonel Burwell, her enslaver. As a snub to Burwell, Agness chose “Hobbs” for Elizabeth’s last name, a tie to Agness’s husband, George Hobbs, an enslaved man. Elizabeth grew up assisting her mother with household chores for the Burwell family; however, her education was neglected, and she was whipped and beaten on several occasions. The Burwells separated George from Agness and Elizabeth, sending him to live and work with a relative. They also sent Elizabeth to work for Robert, the Burwells’ oldest son, when Elizabeth was 14 years old. In her memoir, she describes this period as a horrific time. In addition to being physically abused by her enslavers, Elizabeth was raped multiple times by a local store owner, Alexander Kirkland, which resulted in the conception of Elizabeth’s son, George.
Elizabeth and George reunited with Agness in 1842 upon Colonel Burwell’s death. The family developed financial hardships, placed all property (including enslaved people) up for collateral, and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Fearing her mother would be displaced to a different plantation, Elizabeth made a deal with the Burwells to work as a seamstress for the distinguished ladies of St. Louis. Mrs. Lincoln first heard about Elizabeth’s talent from her St. Louis friends. In building her successful business, Elizabeth negotiated the purchase of her and George’s freedom. Elizabeth’s enslavers initially taunted her with freedom, offering her a coin and telling her to leave while knowing the Fugitive Slave Act would legally work in their favor. However, Elizabeth worked long, strenuous hours, saving every cent possible and eventually becoming a free woman.
After paying back extensive loans from starting her sewing business, Elizabeth finally experienced the freedom to make personal and professional decisions. She ensured George received a vital education before moving to Washington, D. C. Chiaverini captures Elizabeth's pious and tender spirit in developing her fictional character. She connects historical events with Elizabeth’s personal memoir, overlapping Elizabeth’s personal and political beliefs with documented events from the Civil War. Several instances of dialogue reflect direct quotations from Mr. Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln, or Elizabeth herself.
Sociohistorical Context: The Lincolns and the American Civil War
Abraham Lincoln’s presidential election set in motion a series of political changes that shaped the future of the United States. One of the first politicians running for the newly created Republican party, Lincoln’s principal political priority was to limit the growth of slavery. Seven southern states seceded to form the Confederacy before Lincoln took command of the presidency from James Buchanan. In separate, detailed public declarations, leaders from each state declared their reason for leaving the Union was to resist Lincoln’s abolitionist (anti-slavery) policies assertively.
Chiaverini develops the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln from Elizabeth’s intimate perspective of the first family. Consistent with other character development and interpersonal conflict, Chiaverini draws on historical facts to portray the love and affection between Abraham and Mary Lincoln. Mary Todd grew up a member of Lexington, Kentucky’s upper class, enjoying finery and luxury items alongside a thorough education. Mary first met Abraham in Springfield, Illinois; the young couple confirmed the expression “opposites attract.” Self-describing as a “poor nobody,” Abraham came from a more humble background than Mary, and he was known to be more tranquil in temperament than his excitable fiancée. Despite their differences, both husband and wife demonstrated fierce loyalty, tremendous love, and considerable affection for each other. Though fictional, Chiaverini captures the Lincolns’ close bond through Elizabeth’s observations of the first couple; often, her main character feels emotionally stirred by the Lincolns evident love for each other.
