Questions

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  1. What occasioned this essay?

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    Questions: - What occasioned this essay?
  2. David Reynolds asks, in paragraph 3, “Why remember a misguided fanatic and his absurd plan for destroying slavery?” What is his answer?

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    Questions: - David Reynolds asks, in paragraph 3, “Why remember a misguided fanatic and his absurd plan for destroying slavery?” What is his answer?
  3. Reynolds asserts that Brown “did not have a shred of racism” (par. 6). To what extent do you find this an important defense of his actions?

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    Questions: - Reynolds asserts that Brown “did not have a shred of racism” (par. 6). To what extent do you find this an important defense of his actions?
  4. Which counterarguments does Reynolds address? Identify two and discuss how effectively you believe he concedes and refutes them.

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    Questions: - Which counterarguments does Reynolds address? Identify two and discuss how effectively you believe he concedes and refutes them.
  5. Why does Reynolds believe it is important to establish that “Brown considered himself a soldier at war” (par. 9)?

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    Questions: - Why does Reynolds believe it is important to establish that “Brown considered himself a soldier at war” (par. 9)?
  6. How does Reynolds support his claim that a posthumous presidential pardon for Brown would be appropriate and significant? To what extent do you agree?

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    Questions: - How does Reynolds support his claim that a posthumous presidential pardon for Brown would be appropriate and significant? To what extent do you agree?
  7. Reynolds ends by calling for the “rescue” of Brown from the “loony bin of history.” Does this characterization undermine or emphasize his argument? Explain your response.

    Question

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    Questions: - Reynolds ends by calling for the “rescue” of Brown from the “loony bin of history.” Does this characterization undermine or emphasize his argument? Explain your response.