12. Document Project 12: Visions of John Brown

Quiz for Document 12.6 Henry David Thoreau A Plea for Captain John Brown, 1859

Quiz for Document 12.6: Henry David Thoreau: A Plea for Captain John Brown, 1859

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is Henry David Thoreau’s defense of John Brown?

Brown repented for his actions and the public is not in a place to withhold forgiveness.

Brown knew the truth and offered his life in its defense.

Brown did not mean to inflict violence on any human but instead meant to defend humanity.

Brown was going to suffer the Lord’s judgment and so did not need the judgment of humans.

2. How does Thoreau argue Americans are criminals in comparison to John Brown?

They did not stand up to slavery like he did.

They regularly killed slaves as part of the slave trade.

They ordered his execution despite his motives.

They perpetuated the expansion of slavery into the territories.

3. On what grounds did Thoreau defend John Brown’s use of force and violence?

He was impressed by his physical toughness.

It was in line with transcendentalist thought.

Slavery is a violent system and necessitates violence in response.

It was a more effective means of capturing national attention.

4. What does Thoreau mean when he says, “I plead not for his life, but for his character . . . ”?

He is guilty of the crime but undeserving of criticism for it.

He believes Brown is not guilty and should be freed.

He thought the trial and jury were biased against Brown’s character.

He wanted to trade places with him at the gallows.

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