Topic > The Juxtaposition and Dualism of Lee and Longstreet in The Killer Angels, a Novel by Michael Shaara

Lee and Longstreet contrasted with each other in three main ways in the chapter. We first see that Longstreet is a realist and Lee an idealist. Second, we see that Lee's health is deteriorating and Longstreet's is not, and third, that Lee trusts in God's will while Longstreet does not. First, Longstreet believes that attacking now cannot produce a victory. For example, he tells Lee: "You expect me to attack again that same high ground that they failed to take with all their might yesterday... it is my considered opinion that a frontal assault here would be a disaster" (pp. 302 ,4 ). Lee, on the other hand, is confident and says, "I want you to move your body forward and take those heights, to the center, and split the Union line" (p 302). Secondly, Longstreet is in good health while Lee's health and well-being are failing him. For example, Lee tells Longstreet, "I am an old man..." (p 307) and the author also says that Longstreet "spoke looking into the tired face, the ancient eyes" (p 309). Third, Lee and Longstreet have different opinions about God's role in this battle. Lee tells Longstreet, “Well, we left no stone unturned. It's all in God's hands” (p 317). Lee realizes that he and his commanders did their best to control the situation but, like everything in life, it depends on God and his ultimate will. Longstreet, however, is confused by Lee's statement and in his own mind disagrees. He thinks, “It is not God who is sending those men up that hill” (p 317). Longstreet does not trust in God's sovereignty and does not believe that God could send so many men up that hill to their deaths. This chapter of The Killer Angels really highlights and portrays the differences between Lee and Longstreet. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay