How do you imagine Robert viewed Abraham as a father and as a politician?

Robert Lincoln is 18 when his father is elected to the presidency. How do you imagine he viewed Abraham as a father and as a politician?

It is impossible to say. The author barely scratched the surface of the relationships between Lincoln and his sons.

The author did not explicitly talk about Abraham Lincoln and his interactions with children but there was a clear devotion to and caring for them and Robert knew that but also understood family priorities.

There was not too much mentioned in the book. Lincoln loved his kids very much, that we know.

I don't think it was the author's priority to develop Lincoln's relationship with the children. We know he horseplayed with the younger children and that they loved when he played with them. Father/child relationships were so different in the mid 1800s than they are now--it's difficult to compare. There were several hints of respect--Robert went to DC with Lincoln on the same train; there was a mention of a nodding smile or agreement. There may have been pressure (public or parental?) for Robert to join the military as evidenced by mention of the fact that Robert finally joined during the last year.

Our view of the Lincoln children and their father is as if from the corner - at least it is from a distance. Those instances in which they are included reveal warmth and respect and assent. He did go with his father to Washington on the same train, and he did sign up for military service, however late. These instances indicate respect and proper manners.

I would hope he was proud of his father. However, Robert is barely mentioned in the book. I would have liked to have more written about the family members.