Lincoln in the Bardo

Lincoln in the Bardo

by

George Saunders

Lincoln in the Bardo: Chapter 84-85 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
In the chapel, Willie once again has the chance to become one with his father. As he sits inside Lincoln, he tries to communicate that he’ll leave this place if that’s what his father tells him to do. As he does this, though, he bears witness to his father’s thoughts, as Lincoln ponders Willie’s final days.
Once again, Saunders seizes the opportunity to showcase Lincoln’s thoughts, this time using Willie’s occupation of his father as a way of showing the boy the truth, which is that he is dead.
Themes
Transition and Impermanence Theme Icon
Loss Theme Icon