SoapStone Two Ways to Belong in America S:The speaker is Bruce Catton who was a prominent authority on the civil war. O:The occasion of the essay is the meeting of general Lee and grant to work out the surrender of Lee's army. A: The audience of the essay is Americans. The essay is about Lee and Grant discussing the terms of Lee's surrender and it is also about the characteristics of each man. Although the essay primary focus is on the men and their background it still makes points about a significant time in Americas history. Two leaders marking an end to their battle. So I believe that the audience of the essay is Americans because the essay is about important American icons.