The novel The Killer Angels was written by Michael Sharra and is a good read to help understand the reality of the Battle of Gettysburg and the impact it had on American history . One way the reality is that Sharra uses contrasts to develop the 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 the characters. This book would be a good choice for a reader who loves story and yet wants character relationships and engaging dialogue. On the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Buford attempts to defend Seminary Ridge and fails, leading to a Confederate victory. On the second day, the Union regains and maintains control of the high ground and inflicts significant Confederate casualties in the "devil's lair." On the third day, Lee decides to go on 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 defeat at Gettysburg and many even argue the loss of the American Civil War. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In Killer Angels Sharra develops her plot using contrasts. He does this through the use of juxtapositions, contrasts 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 due to previous victories, while the Union soldiers are melancholy and demoralized due to previous defeats. The Confederates have fewer supplies and are rested, while the Union soldiers have more supplies, but are tired. The Confederates have a common cultural background and are mostly white Protestants, while the Union is made up of dissimilar men. Confederate soldiers have the same mission and purpose in fighting and love their leaders, while Union soldiers have different missions and purpose in fighting and distrust some of their leaders. Another way Sharra highlights 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, while Longstreet considers himself a professional soldier. Lee prefers offensive positions while Longstreet prefers defensive positions. Also linked to this is the fact that Lee is an idealist and that Longstreet is a realist. Offensive warfare is based on passion, honor, and idealism, while defensive warfare is based on realism and what might actually win the battle. «But old Robert. Now, he's old school, and I bet 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're the best defensive soldier I've ever seen, by miles and miles and miles, and that's a fact" (p. 70). The final way Sharra uses contrast is through point of view. Each chapter of The Killer Angels is based on the points of view or reflections of different characters so that the reader can see how they compare and contrast with others and how they see the battle. Sharra uses imagery to provide a layer of meaning that draws the reader deeper. in history. On pages 77-84, Sharra uses the word fog, or foggy, six times. This symbolizes that the Confederacy is constantly confused and unaware of the Union's position. Decisions regarding the battle are unclear. At one point Lee muses about attacking rather than,.