Discussion Questions for The Killer Angels
Why is the Battle of Gettysburg considered "the turning point" in the war?
Did you feel that the author gave a balanced account of the battle? Was he more sympathetic to the South or the North?
What role does honor play?
How does the author compare men who fight for a cause and men who fight for glory?
How did you feel about the descriptions of some of the commanders? Pickett? Chamberlain? General Lee?
What do we learn about friendship between Union and Confederate officers?
Why wouldn't Chamberlain shoot the mutineers from the old Second Maine?
How valuable was a man described as having "an eye for the good ground?"
What kind of man looked on war "as God's greatest game?"
Why did Grant choose Chamberlain to have the honor of receiving the Southern surrender at Appomattox?
What role did the Englishman and the German play in highlighting the feelings of the European countries concerning the war?
Did you think the battle scenes were well drawn? Was it clear to you how the troop movements were made and the importance of the high ground?
Did you feel that Shaara conveyed the extent of the loss of life that was suffered by both sides at this battle?
What other books about the Civil War have you read and how do they compare? “Cold Mountain” by Charles Frazier, “Coal Black Horse” by Robert Olmstead, “March” by Geraldine Brooks or “The March” by E.L. Doctorow.
What did you learn about the Civil War in High School? Did this book add to that knowledge or bring a different slant to your understanding of the events at Gettysburg?
How did you feel about the ending? Yes, the battle ended but did you want to know more. Did this book help you understand why Lincoln was able to write the Gettysburg Address?
Framingham Reads Together (FRT) is a town-wide reading, discussion and activity program that invites citizens to read the same book at the same time. The book selected is the highly-acclaimed
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. FRT aims to bring the community together through shared experiences and special events. In March–April 2011 the Framingham Public Library and local partner institutions will host a series of exciting and educational events for adults and children, such as talks, films, book discussions, music, art exhibits, a walking tour, a contest, theatricals, displays, etc., that are based on the theme:
The Civil War–On the Battlefield and the Home Front. (Copies of The Killer Angels are available at both libraries).
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