Answer: Keckley has two main purposes for including the descriptions of Douglass’ attendance at the inaugural ball and subsequent conversations in her book. One is to show the respect and admiration that President Lincoln had for Douglass as a leader of the black community and an advocate for abolition and civil rights. The other is to highlight her own role as a witness and participant in the historical events and social circles of the White House.
Explanation: Keckley’s book, “Behind the Scenes, or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House”, is a memoir of her life as a former slave, a successful dressmaker, and a confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln. She wrote the book partly to defend Mrs. Lincoln from the criticism and slander that she faced after her husband’s assassination, and partly to share her own perspective on the political and personal dramas that unfolded during the Civil War era. Keckley was one of the few black women who had access to the inner workings of the White House, and she used her book to reveal some of the secrets and scandals that she witnessed or heard about.
One of the chapters in her book is devoted to the second inauguration of President Lincoln, which took place on March 4, 1865. Keckley describes the preparations for the event, the ceremony itself, and the reception that followed at the White House. She also recounts how she obtained a glove that Lincoln wore at the reception as a souvenir, and how she met Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist and orator, who had attended the inauguration and was invited to the White House by Lincoln.
Keckley’s inclusion of these descriptions serves two main purposes. One is to show the respect and admiration that President Lincoln had for Douglass as a leader of the black community and an advocate for abolition and civil rights. Keckley writes that Lincoln greeted Douglass warmly and asked for his opinion on his inaugural address. She also quotes Douglass as saying that Lincoln was “the first great man that I talked with in the United States freely who in no single instance reminded me of the difference between himself and myself, of the difference of color”. Keckley uses this anecdote to illustrate Lincoln’s humility, generosity, and vision for a united nation.
The other purpose is to highlight her own role as a witness and participant in the historical events and social circles of the White House. Keckley writes that she was one of the few people who saw Lincoln enter the ball-room after his inauguration, and that she was introduced to Douglass by a mutual friend. She also mentions that she had a conversation with Douglass about his impressions of Lincoln and his hopes for the future of the country. Keckley uses these details to demonstrate her proximity and access to influential figures and important moments in American history. She also implies that she shared some of their ideals and aspirations as a former slave who had risen to a position of prominence and respectability.
Hope this helps, and have a great day! =)