Thought Questions

GRANT AND LEE: A STUDY IN CONTRASTS

Bruce Catton

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1		Physical Differences Here are some pictures of Ulysses S. Grant. Here is a picture of Robert E. Lee. Examine the two pictures, and then return to Catton's essay. In what ways do the physical differences and similarities between the two men echo the similarities Catton describes? From the information Catton gives, would you say that the way either of the two men look could be misleading with regards to their "true" personality? How much can you learn from a picture or photograph of a historical figure?



2		Comparing and Contrasting Yourself Here is a list of links to numerous colleges and universities. Pick one you are not familiar with and visit that institution's web site. Next, try to find a home page of a student who attends that institution. Find out as much information about the student as you can. Once you have done this, write a comparison and contrast paragraph focusing on the similarities and differences between yourself and the student you found. You can look at academic interests, career goals, background, anything. If you want, you can even try to duplicate Catton's "epic" style. Do you feel by doing this project you gained any insight into the student you found? Did you gain any insight into yourself?

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