“Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts” Response Questions

1. Does Catton use subject-by-subject or point-by-point comparison?

Catton uses subject by subject, he first describes Lee and then grant in detail.

2. According to Catton, where is it that “the contrast between Grant and Lee becomes most

striking”?

According to Catton both men were the perfect champion of his cause, drawing both his strengths and his weaknesses from the

people he led.

3. Is Catton’s purpose in comparing Grant and Lee the same as his purpose in contrasting them?

That is, do their similarities also make a statement about U.S. history? Explain.

I think Catton's purpose in comparing Grant and Lee is the same purpose as in contrasting them and their similarities do make a statement about U.S. history and that is when times get tough don't give up. Life was a competition.

4. Why, according to Catton, are “succeeding generations of Americans” in debt to Grant and

Lee?

According to Catton the roles both these guys played at a brief meeting in the McLean house at Appomattox. Their behavior there put all

succeeding generations of Americans in their debt.

5. Why do you suppose Catton provides the background for the meeting at Appomattox but

presents no information about the dramatic meeting itself?

I suppose Catton did this because the essay was not about the meeting the essay was more about Lee and Grant and how important they are to us.