Essay On Killer Angels - 1776 Words

Killer Angels is a 1974 historical novel by Michael Shaara. The book tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. The novel is told through the voices of both Union army and Confederate Army of Northern Virginia leaders who were in battle there. The novel is laid out in days and each new chapter for the day gives a number and the name of the man who is the focus of the chapter. In Killer Angels, the Army of Northern Virginia’s demise is highlighted by a few different features. The failing health and age of Robert E. Lee served to distract him from military obligations, the advantage point the Union side had over Confederate Army at the Battle of Gettysburg, and the most significant reason for demise, was the†¦show more content†¦Throughout Killer Angels, Lee is described in a way as taking it easy because of his heart condition. â€Å"Lee sat down against a rail fence† (106). â€Å"Lee took a quick nap† (143). It’s easy t o see the Lee was doing a lot of resting because of his heart condition. An army cannot be effectively led if the commander is sitting, preoccupied with the pain of a health condition, and taking it easy. Another problem Lee had was that he was seen as a father figure to most of the men and treated them softly. Stuart was supposed to be gathering information for Lee, but instead he was out â€Å"joy riding† which left the Army of Northern Virginia basically blind as to where the North regiments were positioned. Longstreet said â€Å"When Stuart comes back you ought to court martial him† (82). However, Lee believed reproach, letting Stuart know how badly he let them down, would make him a good soldier. When dealing with Stuart Lee â€Å"spoke as you speak to a child† and wanted to reassure him. He treated Stuart softly (256-266). Lee’s age, failing health, and softness on his men was one reason the Army of Northern Virginia lost the Battle of Gettysburg. N ext, the Union had an advantage over the Confederates in the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg is in Pennsylvania which was part of the North, so they were in home territory and had a home field advantage. In chapter 7 of July 1, 1863, Buford for the Union, had secured the best high ground Cemetery Hill, Cemetery Ridge, and Little Round Top. InShow MoreRelated Killer Angels Essay2541 Words   |  11 Pages The Killer Angels The Battle of Gettysburg brought the dueling North and South together to the small town of Gettysburg and on the threshold of splitting the Union. Gettysburg was as close as the United States got to Armageddon and The Killer Angels gives the full day-to-day account of the battle that shaped America’s future. Michael Shaara tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg through the eyes of the generals and men involved in the action of the battle. The historical account of the BattleRead MoreEssay on Killer Angels1074 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿1. What role does honor play in the novel?   Honor played a major role in novel,  Killer Angels.  Throughout the book, Honor was a concept that remained important to members of the armies, regardless of whether they were supporting the Union or the Confederacy. Every action and decision was made with the intention of being heroic and as honorable as possible. 2. From your reading of  Killer Angels, what do you think was the main reason the Civil War was fought? While the North lightly interpretedRead MoreKiller Angels Essay714 Words   |  3 PagesKiller Angels The pain, joy, bloodshed, death, and sorrow of the Civil War are all contained in the book called, The Killer Angels. This book will show you the thoughts, feelings and actions of many of the leaders of both armies. By reading this book you will get an in depth view of the bloodiest days of the Civil War. Even if you know absolutely nothing about this war, you can still read and understand everything that is portrayed. This story not only gives you the view of many of theRead More The Killer Angels Essay1365 Words   |  6 PagesWars have been fought for many different reasons through the years, and that holds true for the American Civil War (1861-1865). In Michael Shaaras Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Killer Angels, the reasons for fighting the war are brought about through the officers and soldiers at a famous battle site of the Civil War, Gettysburg. Gettysburg was one of the most documented battles of the whole war. It took place over a span of three days and can be viewed as a turning point from ConfederateRead MoreThe Killer Angels Essay1357 Words   |  6 PagesAngels on the Battlefield In the Battle of Gettysburg that took place on July 1, 1863, and ended on July 3, many casualties and injuries resulted from the fighting between those few days, leading to the victory of the Union Army. As mentioned in the Killer Angels, the hospitals were tents where soldiers were treated for their wounds on the battlefield, in the view of anyone and everyone. Amputations were almost every physician’s immediate response to bullet wounds shattering bones, amongst otherRead More Killer Angels Essay466 Words   |  2 Pages The novel The Killer Angles, by Michael Shaara, gives a story like depiction of the American Civil War at the Battle of Gettysburg. In this novel we see the views of both Confederate and Union armies. The officers for both sides in this novel used to go to war with each other but are now on different sides according to their political views. In the end both armies realized the war had accomplished nothing but all the deaths of soldiers. During the novel, the armies are going to war against theirRead MoreKiller Angels Essay1856 Words   |  8 Pagesauthor argue as to why the Confederacy was defeated at Gettysburg? What evidence does he present to make his point? Do you agree or disagree with him? Trevor Jenke Professor Lockwood History 1301: M-W 12:30 2 December, 2013 Killer Angels Book Review 1. During the Civil War, there were two sides, the Confederate Army and the Union Army. While the Confederates fought for slavery, the Union fought for their freedom. While the Confederates fought for the continuance of state’s rightsRead MoreEssay about Killer Angels1119 Words   |  5 Pages Wars have been fought for many different reasons through the years, and that holds true for the American Civil War (1861-1865). In Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Killer Angels, the reasons for fighting the war are brought about through the officers and soldiers at a famous battle site of the Civil War, Gettysburg. Gettysburg was one of the most documented battles of the whole war. It took place over a span of three days and can be viewed as a turning point from Confederate prominenceRead MoreThe Killer Angels Essay examples1035 Words   |  5 PagesThe Killer Angels Mine eyes have seen the glory . . . The spy was the first to see the Union army march through the valley. He noted that the army was moving fast and marching in extreme heat. His intentions now were to return and report this information to the General Robert E. Lee. Lieutenant General James Longstreet received him back at camp, and the spy let him know of the information, which he had obtained. Longstreet found it useful information to pass on to Lee. Both Lee and LongstreetRead MoreEssay on The Killer Angels by Michael Sharra1446 Words   |  6 Pages Based of Michael Sharra’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Killer Angels, Gettysburg is a literary adaptation that popularized the bloodiest battle fought between the North and the South during the Civil War. Initially intended as a TV mini series, Gettysburg was produced as a full-length feature film. The film glorifies Union and Confederate soldiers in the historic bloodbath of Gettysburg. The film enables viewers to experience a first hand account of the spirit and battleground of the four-day