The Killer Angels
...1996
THe Killer Angels Opinion and Commentary
In the novel The Killer Angels, Mr. Shaara's historical accuracy is
unquestionable. He has written this fabulous (Pulitzer Prize winning) novel.
Although the heroic suicidal charge of the 10th Minnesotans on the second day of
the battle was left out, Shaara focuses on Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
and the 20th Maine which makes up for the lapse. It is safe to say that
no other novel has so closely allowed the reader to understand the peculiar
madness of this civil war.
After reading this powerful, exciting novel one assumes that whenever
cultures clash, there will be a final conflict. By showing the reader what the
principals of this great battle were (and may have been) current thinking on
multiculturalism are highlighted in a new and perplexing way. This was a great
feet for a book written in 1974 to be so magnificent.
The Killer Angels has been made into a five hour long motion picture and
is called 'Gettysburg.' The novel is so compelling that the story seldomly
deviates from the movie. The movie illustrates Mr. Shaara's ability to tell a
complex story with clarity. The novel shows a great depiction of the tragedy of
war, like in the part when Armistead races into battle, even though he is
fighting his best friend (Hancock), and they both get shot. It really shows the
views of each side, and what each character felt.
The Killer Angels' will satisfy both the history buff and the Civil War
buff. But, the sense of duty, honor, and the appalling loss of life as well as
the unbelievable heroism displayed by both sides in the battle will move many
readers.
The Killer Angels Summary
This outstanding historical novel depicts four days at Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania which occur during summer of 1863. These crucial days are the
turning point of the American Civil War and the strong days of the...
View Full Essay
