Killer Angels Questions PDF PDF

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Answers to summer Killer Angels questions, for Dr. Mooney, THHS...

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#2 Theory of Knowledge Dr. Mooney Summer Reading Assignment

1. Analyze the Different POV of the Key Generals

Lee: Shaara writes that Lee is “a man in control. He does not lose his temper nor his faith. He believes absolutely in God. He loves Virginia above all, the mystic dirt of home. He is the most beloved man in either army.” Lee is somewhat old fashioned, preferring to stick to traditional ways of combat. However, he is open minded, as shown by his recognition of the merit of Longstreet’s ideas despite their ongoing conflict. He exhibits confidence in his army, but unfortunately his overestimation of their ability causes them to falter. In addition, he does not advocate for slavery, and instead undertakes the fight for state’s rights. Lee is also very religious and believes in destiny: “he had arrived there really in the hands of God, without any choice at all; there had never been an alternative except to run away, and he could not do that” (263).

Longstreet: He is stubborn by nature, but his depression stems understandably from the death of his children, affecting his mannerisms for the duration of the book. He supports defensive warfare. Interestingly, he is not completely absorbed in the South’s goal; he does not advocate for slavery. He does not have the same authority as Lee and is forced to obey his directions and watch the Confederates crumble because of their offensive tactics.

#2 2. Evaluate the WOK that You Used While Reading The Killer Angels

The most pertinent Ways Of Knowing that can be applied to reading The Killer Angels are memory, language, and imagination (not in that order). In terms of memory, I had to call upon my previous knowledge of history in order to bring context to the plot. Without my experience in APUSH, I would not have been able to recall anything about the Battle of Gettysburg or the generals. In regards to language, this may have been the most important, as I was analyzing a work of literature. Language is the only way to properly convey not only the plot elements, but the entirety of the novel. Based on the language of the characters, you are able to determine their background, including education level and consequently their social standing. In addition, Shaara has his own style of writing, distinguishing himself from other authors. This is important, as it is easy to compare his style to that of others writing for the same genre, and then as opposed to Kafka, for example, who writes more eloquently. It is not a fair comparison, due to the time period of the authors and the difference in genre. I only thought to compare Shaara and Kafka in the first place as I had to read the work of both authors in the same time frame. Last, there is imagination. Imagination is crucial to reading in general, as it provides the means by which to immerse oneself in the story and understand the points of view of each character. In terms of this particular novel, it is imperative to use imagination, as the plot is reliant mostly on setting. It helps to picture in your mind’s eye the bloodshed, horror, and blanched faces of the dead and dying in order to stay absorbed in the story and the reality it once was for the people of the past.

#2 3. Discuss What is Fact and What is Fiction

By definition, ‘fact’ is something that is known or proved to be true. Fiction is invention or fabrication as opposed to fact. The word ‘fact’ has connotations with truth, authority, certainty, and solidarity. ‘Fiction,’ on the other hand, directly correlates to literature, spawning fantastical images and unfathomable plot lines. Is it possible to meld both fact and fiction to result in a new type of literature? Or must they remain completely separate concepts? Shaara remarks before the novel begins that the interpretation of the characters is his own. Despite the fact the people whom Shaara modelled his characters after existed, the characters are considered part of a work of fiction, as their thoughts, actions, and words were never fully documented or retold as an unbiased, factual study. The Killer Angels is a composition, laboriously crafted and edited for the simple and noble purpose of understanding the “other side of the story.” Shaara incorporates facts into his novel, such as documented events and people who influenced their circumstances. However, he takes many creative liberties to shape the characters. He is ultimately responsible for their mannerisms, patterns of speech, attitudes, and behavior. Factual history is merely used as an outline from which to structure the plot.

#2 4. Evaluate How Fiction Can be True

As described above, fiction can embody an element of realism when factual information is integrated into the structure of the piece. If facts and real-life events are the basis for the plot and characters, then a fictitious work can be realistic. The term ‘true’ is much harder to evaluate in terms of fiction, however. Truth implies everything described in the fictitious work occurred in reality, including dialogue and depending on the POV of the novel, the thoughts of the people involved in the story. (I would not call them characters, as they are participants in the events, not a product of the author’s imagination). The latter concept is impossible in reality, as there is no omniscient narrator to report the thoughts of every human being in existence. Why should the author have the ability to accurately report the thoughts of genuine people involved in real events? Therefore, fiction cannot embody a significant percentage of truthfulness. It can draw from the experiences of real people, but it cannot truly capture the circumstances in an accurate way while maintaining any element of creative freedom....