power and Killer Angels

In Killer Angels, power is portrayed as a burden because it forces the indivdual in power to make decisions that may cost lives. This situation is best demonstrated through Robert E. Lee's position as a general in the confederate's cause in the Civil War. Although this power is considered a burden by Lee, he is venerated for his efforts in the confederate's "Lost Cause" even though he may well have lost the war at the battle of Gettesyburg. His efforts in the war most noteably displayed a Southern honor that embodied the confederate livelihood. The book primarily focuses on the honor that power brings to an individual.