Depiction of The Gettysburg Battle in The Killer Angels

The novel The Killer Angels was written by Michael Sharra and is a good read to help one understand the reality of the battle of Gettysburg and the impact that it had on American history. One way in which the reality is that Sharra uses contrasts to develop his plot and characters. The second is that Sharra uses descriptive diction and imagery to draw the reader into the story. The story engages the reader through both the plot and characters. This book would be a good choice for a reader who enjoys history, and yet, wishes for character relationships and compelling 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, and gives the Confederates considerable losses in ‘Devil’s Den.’ On the third day, Lee makes the decision to take the offensive even though he has very few surviving troops. He orders Pickett’s Charge where many, many Confederate officers and soldiers die. Pickett’s charge leads to the Confederate loss at Gettysburg and many even argue the loss of the American Civil War.

In Killer Angels Sharra develops his plot by using contrasts. He does this through the use of juxtaposition, foils, and points of view. Sharra uses juxtaposition to contrast the two armies. For example, at the beginning of the novel, the Confederates are in good spirits because of previous victories, whereas the Union soldiers are melancholy and deflated because of previous defeats. The Confederates have fewer supplies and are rested, whereas the Union soldiers have more supplies, but are tired. The Confederates have a common cultural background and are mostly white Protestants, whereas the Union is made up of dissimilar men. The Confederate soldiers have the same mission and purpose for fighting, and love their leaders, whereas the Union soldiers have different missions and purposes for fighting and distrust some of their leaders. Another way Sharra draws out contrast is through the use of foils, of which the two main contrasting characters are Lee and Longstreet. Lee is a soldier who fights based on his passion, whereas Longstreet considers himself to be a professional soldier. Lee prefers offensive positions while Longstreet prefers defensive. Also tied to this is the fact that Lee is an idealist and that Longstreet is a realist. The offensive type of warfare is based on passion, honor, and idealism, whereas the defensive is based on realism and what might actually win the battle. “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” (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” (p. 70). The final way Sharra uses contrasts is through points of view. Each chapter in The Killer Angels is based on the views or reflections of different characters so that the reader can see how they compare and contrast to others and how they view the battle.

Sharra uses images to provide a layer of meaning that draws the reader deeper into the story. On pages 77-84, Sharra uses the word mist, or misty, six times. This symbolizes that the Confederacy is constantly confused and unaware about the Union’s position. The decisions surrounding the battle are not clear-cut. At one point Lee is reflecting his attacking rather than defending his old country. He feels torn because of the oath he took at West Point, and he refers to the situation as a ‘misty matter’ because it is unclear to him which decision would be correct. His use of misty is more than the physical mist or haze hovering over them; it is a symbol of the Confederates’, and even solely Lee’s, confusion. Sharra also uses his words to create memorable metaphors. For example, he describes Fremantle vividly stating, “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” (p. 56). Even after this, he extends the metaphor and continues referring to Fremantle in this way for the rest of the book.

The Killer Angels is an unforgettable novel. Sharra uses contrasts to draw the reader into the reality of the setting. The juxtaposition of the armies and the way Lee and Longstreet serve as foils for each other really make his story enjoyable. He also uses words and metaphors to engage the reader and add descriptive interest. This educational book, although slightly altered from history, is unspoiled and recommended for any who enjoy suspense and captivating dialogue.