Pertaining to American history it is vital to educate yourself about two symbolic men that put their differences aside so the Civil War could come to an end. Two men named Grant and Lee were able to do just that. In the reading “Grant and Lee: A Study of Contrast” by Bruce Catton, the author writes a compare and contrast essay detailing their backgrounds, personalities, and aspirations. When evaluating all of these contributing factors it is clear that Lee was vastly a more impressionable character than Grant.
When it comes down to these two men’s background Lee was perceived as more traditional. For example, the text states “His background were family, culture, and tradition” (Catton, 352). This can be interpreted as him being a caring …show more content…
It is important to compare their personalities because it reveals their underlying character which ultimately determined what type of leaders they were. Lee was depicted as a determined go getter. To support, “for four years, the Southern states had fought a desperate war to uphold the ideals for which Lee stood” (Catton, 353). This specific event shows that Lee was never one to give up easy. He was a strong man who stood for what he believed in, despite the consequences. His cheerful, hardworking personality kept him in high spirits and almost never in doubt. On the other hand, when it comes to Grant, he was described as tough and stern; the type of man who was completely resistant to change. For instance, “he lived in a static society which could endure almost anything except change” (Catton, 353). Further interpretation would show that Grant turned away from change and because of that was unable to learn from his mistakes. When these two opposite personalities are compared to each other, it is obvious that Lee is a more impressionable and respectable character. To elaborate, Lee is willing to grow and evolve as a person while Grant was in utter refusal to have an open mind and take any advice that would ultimately better himself and his …show more content…
He worked extremely hard for everything he desired, he was against giving up, and he was a personable character. Due to his inspiring background he was able to stick to his moral roots which enabled him to evolve into a better leader. He also was able to learn from the past and apply that, along with his mistakes, to the future. He was intelligent enough to know that in order to succeed you had to draw a line between business and pleasure while still having everyone’s best interest at heart. Lee’s characteristics enabled him to be a great
When it comes down to these two men’s background Lee was perceived as more traditional. For example, the text states “His background were family, culture, and tradition” (Catton, 352). This can be interpreted as him being a caring …show more content…
It is important to compare their personalities because it reveals their underlying character which ultimately determined what type of leaders they were. Lee was depicted as a determined go getter. To support, “for four years, the Southern states had fought a desperate war to uphold the ideals for which Lee stood” (Catton, 353). This specific event shows that Lee was never one to give up easy. He was a strong man who stood for what he believed in, despite the consequences. His cheerful, hardworking personality kept him in high spirits and almost never in doubt. On the other hand, when it comes to Grant, he was described as tough and stern; the type of man who was completely resistant to change. For instance, “he lived in a static society which could endure almost anything except change” (Catton, 353). Further interpretation would show that Grant turned away from change and because of that was unable to learn from his mistakes. When these two opposite personalities are compared to each other, it is obvious that Lee is a more impressionable and respectable character. To elaborate, Lee is willing to grow and evolve as a person while Grant was in utter refusal to have an open mind and take any advice that would ultimately better himself and his …show more content…
He worked extremely hard for everything he desired, he was against giving up, and he was a personable character. Due to his inspiring background he was able to stick to his moral roots which enabled him to evolve into a better leader. He also was able to learn from the past and apply that, along with his mistakes, to the future. He was intelligent enough to know that in order to succeed you had to draw a line between business and pleasure while still having everyone’s best interest at heart. Lee’s characteristics enabled him to be a great