Characters

• The Speaker (Poetic Persona): He is the voice of the poem. He expresses deep sorrow at the death of Abraham Lincoln. At the same time, he realizes death as a part of the natural cycle and seeks consolation in that understanding.
• Abraham Lincoln (The Fallen Leader): Although his name is never directly mentioned, the entire poem is written for Lincoln. He was the President during the American Civil War and a symbol of freedom and unity. His death was an irreparable loss for the nation.
• The Lilac (Symbolic Character): The lilac flower is a symbol of memory and love. It carries the tribute to Lincoln and becomes a metaphor of beauty and eternity, even in the face of death.
• The Mourning America (Ordinary People): In the poem, the common American people also emerge as characters. They collectively express grief and hold Lincoln’s memory close to their hearts.