Grant and lee a study in contrasts thesis statement

Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts

I. Introduction
A. Paragraph 1 � 2: History lesson on Appomattox
B. Paragraph 3: Thesis statement

II. Contrast
A. Background
1. Robert E. Lee (paragraphs 4 � 6)
a. aristocrac tic society
b. class structure
c. regional demigod
2. Ulysses S. Grant (paragraphs 7 � 9)
a. self-reliance (individual as supreme)
b. democracy and equality as imperatives
c. national community
B. Representation (and view of society)
1. Lee: saw himself in relation to his own static region. (para. 10)
2. Grant: saw himself in relation to an expansive nation (para. 11)
C. Conclusion of contrast: summarized in paragraph 12

III. Comparison
A. Transitional paragraph from contrast to comparison (paragraph 13)
B. Similar fighting styles (tenacity and fidelity: paragraph 14)
1. Grant
2. Lee
C. Daring and resourcefulness (paragraph 15)
1. Lee
2. Grant
D. Turn to peace at war�s end (both men in same statement: para. 16)

IV. Conclusion (last two sentences in paragraph 16)
( Note how it ties back together with opening paragraph. )