CliffsNotes on

The Killer Angels

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Michael Shaara Biography

Early Years and Education
Early Work
Final Years

About The Killer Angels

Summary and Analysis by Chapter

Foreword
Monday, June 29, 1863 — 1. The Spy
Monday, June 29, 1863 — 2. Chamberlain
Monday, June 29, 1863 — 3. Buford
Monday, June 29, 1863 — 4. Longstreet
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 — 1. Lee
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 — 2. Buford
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 — 3. Lee
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 — 4. Chamberlain
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 — 5. Longstreet
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 — 6. Lee
Wednesday, July 1, 1863 — 7. Buford
Thursday, July 2, 1863 — 1. Fremantle
Thursday, July 2, 1863 — 2. Chamberlain
Thursday, July 2, 1863 — 3. Longstreet
Thursday, July 2, 1863 — 4. Chamberlain
Thursday, July 2, 1863 — 5. Longstreet
Thursday, July 2, 1863 — 6. Lee
Friday, July 3, 1863 — 1. Chamberlain
Friday, July 3, 1863 — 2. Longstreet
Friday, July 3, 1863 — 3. Chamberlain
Friday, July 3, 1863 — 4. Armistead
Friday, July 3, 1863 — 5. Longstreet
Friday, July 3, 1863 — 6. Chamberlain
Afterword

Character List

Character Map

Character Analysis

Robert E. Lee
James Longstreet
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
John Buford

Critical Essays

The Killer Angels — History or Novel?
The Battle of Gettysburg — the Civilian Experience
Good versus Evil; Man versus Challenge
Questions as Theme
Emotions/Beliefs
The Lee versus Longstreet Battle Strategy Conflict

Study and Homework Help

Full Glossary for The Killer Angels
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Critical Essays

Emotions/Beliefs

Glory of battle: Men of this time speak with great emotion of the glory of battle. They recall fondly the Charge of the Light Brigade. They revel in saber charges and speak passionately about the beauty of thousands of brave men in formation marching to their deaths, with banners flying and music playing. They are fearless men performing daring exploits for the glory of their cause and their homes.

Rebel Yell: The Confederates have a blood-curling yell they use as they attack. It is meant to inspire the men on to glory and strike terror into the hearts of their opponents.

Flags: A point of honor is the flag or pennant carried by a particular group in battle. The flag helps to keep things organized during the chaos of a fight. Men can look to the flag and see where they are supposed to be. But it is also an emotional tool, a metaphor for success or failure. Men would die rather than let their banner fall, and it is a great loss of honor to have one's banner captured. It is an equal honor to capture as many of the enemy's flags as possible.

Music: Music was used in camp as well as in battle. In camp, there might be sentimental singing and music, bringing thoughts of home, the past, and friends long gone. There are also the times with visiting relatives and polka bands, giving the camp a carnival atmosphere. Bugle calls and drums are used for marching and in battle to keep men in ranks, let them know where their group is, and what they are to do next.


Emotions/Beliefs: 1 2 3
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