LINCOLN,ABRAHAM, PSYCHOTHERAPIST TO THE NATION - THE USE OF METAPHORS

The author presents accepted definitions of the term metaphor and revi ews types of metaphors in common usage. He then attempts to elucidate the purposes behind utilizing psychotherapeutic metaphors and their in herent value in a therapeutic context. Following a historical survey o f Abraham Lincoln's life and some examples of his writings and speeche s, which depict him as a master of metaphor, the reader gains an appre ciation of Lincoln's ability to translate complex subjects into unders tandable terms for the citizens of his time-a process not unlike that of psychotherapy.