Depiction of The Gettysburg Battle in The Killer Angels

Introduction

The novel The Killer Angels was written by Michael Shaara and is an insightful read that helps one understand the reality of the Battle of Gettysburg and the significant impact it had on American history. One way Shaara brings this reality to life is through his use of contrasts to develop his plot and characters. Additionally, Shaara employs descriptive diction and vivid imagery to draw the reader into the story. This novel engages the reader through both its plot and characters, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy history, character relationships, and captivating dialogue. On the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Buford attempts to defend Seminary Ridge and fails, leading to a Confederate victory. On day two, the Union regains and maintains control of the high ground, inflicting considerable losses on the Confederates in 'Devil’s Den.' On the third day, Lee decides to take the offensive despite having very few surviving troops. He orders Pickett’s Charge, resulting in the deaths of many Confederate officers and soldiers. Pickett’s Charge ultimately leads to the Confederate loss at Gettysburg, which many argue was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War (Shaara, 1974).

Contrasts in Plot Development

In The Killer Angels, Shaara develops his plot by using contrasts. He achieves this through the use of juxtaposition, foils, and varying points of view. Shaara juxtaposes the two armies effectively. For instance, at the beginning of the novel, the Confederates are buoyed by previous victories, whereas the Union soldiers are disheartened by past defeats. The Confederates, though having fewer supplies, are rested, while the Union soldiers, despite having more supplies, are fatigued. The Confederate soldiers share a common cultural background and are mostly white Protestants, while the Union is composed of diverse men. Confederate soldiers have a unified mission and purpose for fighting and hold their leaders in high regard, whereas Union soldiers have differing missions and purposes and harbor distrust for some of their leaders. Another way Shaara highlights contrast is through the use of foils, with Lee and Longstreet serving as the two main contrasting characters. Lee is a soldier driven by passion, while Longstreet considers himself a professional soldier. Lee favors offensive strategies, while Longstreet prefers defensive tactics. This distinction is tied to the fact that Lee is an idealist, whereas Longstreet is a realist. Offensive warfare is based on passion, honor, and idealism, whereas defensive strategies are grounded in realism and practical considerations. “But Old Robert. Now, he’s old school, and I’ll bet you right now he can’t wait to get them out in the open somewhere where he can hit them face to face” (Shaara, 1974, p. 69). Armistead also tells Longstreet, “You are the best defensive soldier I ever saw, by miles and miles and miles, and that’s a fact” (Shaara, 1974, p. 70). The final way Shaara uses contrasts is through points of view. Each chapter in The Killer Angels is based on the perspectives or reflections of different characters, allowing the reader to compare and contrast their viewpoints and understand how they perceive the battle.

Use of Imagery and Metaphors

Shaara uses imagery to provide a layer of meaning that draws the reader deeper into the story. On pages 77-84, Shaara uses the word mist, or misty, six times. This symbolizes the Confederacy's ongoing confusion and lack of awareness about the Union’s position. The decisions surrounding the battle are not clear-cut. At one point, Lee reflects on his decision to attack rather than defend his old country. He feels torn because of the oath he took at West Point and refers to the situation as a ‘misty matter’ because it is unclear to him which decision is correct. The use of misty extends beyond the physical mist or haze hovering over them; it symbolizes the Confederates’, and particularly Lee’s, confusion. Shaara also crafts memorable metaphors with his words. For example, he vividly describes Fremantle: “He was a scrawny man, toothy, with a pipelike neck and a monstrous Adam’s apple. He looked like a popeyed bird who had just swallowed something large and sticky and triangular. He was wearing a tall gray hat and a remarkable coat with very wide shoulders, like wings” (Shaara, 1974, p. 56). Shaara extends this metaphor throughout the book, consistently referring to Fremantle in this manner.

Conclusion

The Killer Angels is an unforgettable novel. Shaara uses contrasts to immerse the reader in the reality of the setting. The juxtaposition of the armies and the way Lee and Longstreet serve as foils for each other truly enhance the story's enjoyment. He also employs words and metaphors to engage the reader and add descriptive interest. This educational book, though slightly altered from historical events, remains unspoiled and is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys suspense and captivating dialogue.

References

• Shaara, M. (1974). The Killer Angels. Random House.