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Killer Angels Character Analysis

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“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by lions” Alexander the Great. Killer Angels the historical novel by Michael Shaara details many great lions of leadership. One of these great lions of leadership was Joshua L. Chamberlain, a colonel of the Union army. Chamberlain coming in to a leadership position after acting as a professor led to him becoming a great leader through his personality characteristics. These included how he was a decisive and intuitive leader, an understanding leader, and an intelligent leader. Chamberlain was a decisive leader through the actions he took on the battlefield. Through Chamberlain's choices during the battle at Gettysburg he established himself as …show more content…

Chamberlain acted as an understanding leader to his men by how he did not correct their guesses that General McClellan was back in command. “Chamberlain knew that it could not be true. But the men marched believed they were behind McClellan.” (Page 124). Chamberlains act of not correcting his men on their assumption that McClellan was back in command showed he understood their desires and knew what was best for his men. Another example of Chamberlain;s understanding includes how he communicated with Private Kilrain. This conversation had Colonel Chamberlain conversing with Kilrain on a compassionate level after the battle at little round top with Kilrain having sustained an injury. Chamberlain showcased a true compassionate dialogue with Kilrain, something only a great leader would be able to …show more content…

Chamberlain was very intelligent leader, and this came from the background he came to lead from. Before Chamberlain became a Colonel for the Union Army, he acted as a professor. This past profession allowed chamberlain to use his collected intellect on the battlefield. Chamberlain was also a very intelligent leader in how he viewed the war compared to other leaders around him. “Of bullets in dead bodies? Like a shot in a rotten leg, a wet thick leg. All a man is: wet leg of blood. Remember the flap of a torn curtain in a blasted window, fragment whispering in that awful breeze: never, forever, never forever. You have a professor’s mind. But that is the way it sounded.” (Page 118). This statement showcases how Chamberlain was an intelligent and strong leader for his troops in how he broke down the concepts around him. This allows Chamberlain to understand the struggle of his men, which helps him become a truly great leader for him. Chamberlain was a great leader for all the aspects of his personality that made

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