Questions

1. What occasioned this essay?

   Question

   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?

   Question

   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?

   Question

   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.

   Question

   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)?

   Question

   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?

   Question

   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

   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.