The Education of Henry Adams · Character
Ulysses S. Grant
The new President whose character, as Henry Adams watched it unfold in Washington, proved startling, astounding, and terrifying—a lesson in the gulf between reputation and reality.
supporting
Also known as Grant, President Grant, General Grant, Subsequently Grant
First appearance: XVII: President Grant (1869)
As a supporting figure in The Education of Henry Adams, Ulysses S. Grant is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Newly inaugurated President; observed by Adams as a curious, intermittent, and passive figure, compared to Garibaldi.
Adams returned from England to a Washington still charmed by Grant's ascent, only to watch the President's political character betray what Adams called a 'fatal deception—or undeception.' The Gold Corner scandal of September 1869, with Jay Gould's brazen attempt to corner gold, exposed a administration whose assurances could not be trusted. For Adams, Grant became the emblem of a Washington that was amusing, seductive, and morally treacherous—a city whose charm he loved too much to question its value, even as its lessons accumulated.
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Character Web
45 connectionsA slice of how Ulysses S. Grant sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Political and Diplomatic Figures
- Protagonist
- Diverse Acquaintances and Historical References
+40 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This is the story's dramatic climax because Henry Adams reaches an emotional and psychological peak of overwhe…
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Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Henry Adams
rivalry · negative
Henry Adams viewed Grant's presidency as a failure of intellect and character, leading to… How this plays out →
- Clarence King
professional · negative
- Adam Badeau
professional · positive
- Henry Adams
rivalry · negative
Henry Adams viewed Grant's presidency as a failure of intellect and character, leading to… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Ulysses S. Grant in XVII: President Grant (1869)In the story
Ulysses S. Grant appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
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See Ulysses S. Grant in XVII: President Grant (1869)