STRATEGIES AND STRUCTURES
1) Beginning with paragraph 3, Catton gets down to the particulars of his contrast between the two generals. How does Catton organize his contrast, point by point or subject by subject? In what paragraphs does he turn to the similarities between the two men and how are they organized?
2) Which sentence in the final paragraph bring together both the differences and the similarities outlined in the preceding paragraphs? How does this paragraph recall the opening paragraphs of the essay? Why might Catton end with an echo of his beginning?
3) Catton does not really give specific reasons for the Confederacy’s defeat. What general explanation does he hint at, however, when he associates Lee with a “static society” and Grant with a society of “restless burgeoning vitality” (10,12)? What is Catton’s purpose in drawing this extensive comparison?
4) In comparing and contrasting the two generals in this essay, Catton also describes two regional types. What are some of the specific personal characteristics Catton ascribes to Grant and Lee that, at the same time, make them representative figures?
WORDS AND FIGURES OF SPEECH
1) Catton describes the Parlor where Grant and Lee met at the “scene” of a “dramatic” contrast, and he says that a new era was ready to come on stage (2). What view of history is suggested by these METAPHORS?
2)What does Catton mean by “the Lost Cause” in paragraph 6?
3) What is the precise meaning of “obeisance” (7)? Why might Catton choose this term instead of the more common obedience when describing General Grant?
4) Look up “diametrically” (12). What words would you substitute to help make the TONE of the essay less formal?
