Questions

1. Clearly, John Brown knew his death sentence would not be changed; in fact, many argue that he wanted to die a martyr. What, then, is the chief purpose of this speech?

   Question

   Questions: - Clearly, John Brown knew his death sentence would not be changed; in fact, many argue that he wanted to die a martyr. What, then, is the chief purpose of this speech?
2. What does he mean by the phrase “a clean thing of that matter” (par. 2)?

   Question

   Questions: - What does he mean by the phrase “a clean thing of that matter” (par. 2)?
3. In paragraph 3, Brown offers a series of qualifications (“Had I interfered…had I so interfered”) to support an assertion. What is his point? Do you find his support sufficient for the claim?

   Question

   Questions: - In paragraph 3, Brown offers a series of qualifications (“Had I interfered…had I so interfered”) to support an assertion. What is his point? Do you find his support sufficient for the claim?
4. In what ways does he call on religion? Does he refer to “the law of God” (par. 4) to justify his actions? Does he ask forgiveness from a higher power?

   Question

   Questions: - In what ways does he call on religion? Does he refer to “the law of God” (par. 4) to justify his actions? Does he ask forgiveness from a higher power?
5. Which allegations does he admit to? Which does he deny?

   Question

   Questions: - Which allegations does he admit to? Which does he deny?
6. What ethos does Brown establish in this speech? Cite specific words and images he uses to develop his persona.

   Question

   Questions: - What ethos does Brown establish in this speech? Cite specific words and images he uses to develop his persona.
7. How would you describe the tone of this speech?

   Question

   Questions: - How would you describe the tone of this speech?