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.  aristocractic 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.)