Question

RAID ON HARPERS FERRY

These two excerpts are from a speech given by Frederick Douglass on May 30, 1881, at the 14th anniversary of Storer College in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

[EXCERPT 1]These men invaded Harpers Ferry, disarmed the watchman, took possession of the arsenal, rifle-factory, armory and other government property at that place, arrested and made prisoners nearly all the prominent citizens of the neighborhood, collected about fifty slaves, put bayonets into the hands of such as were able and willing to fight for their liberty, killed three men, proclaimed general emancipation, held the ground more than thirty hours, were subsequently overpowered and nearly all killed, wounded or captured, by a body of United States troops... Three out of the nineteen invaders were captured whilst fighting, and one of these was Captain John Brown, the man who originated, planned and commanded the expedition. [He] was brought into court, subjected to a nominal trial, convicted of high treason and inciting slaves to insurrection, and was executed. Such is the story; with no line softened or hardened to my inclining.

[EXCERPT 2]But the question is, “Did John Brown fail?” He certainly did fail to get out of Harpers Ferry before being beaten down by United States soldiers; he did fail to save his own life, and to lead a liberating army into the mountains of Virginia. But he did not go to Harpers Ferry to save his life. The true question is, “Did John Brown draw his sword against slavery and thereby lose his life in vain?” and to this I answer ten thousand times, “No!” No man fails, or can fail who so grandly gives himself and all he has to a righteous cause… If John Brown did not end the war that ended slavery, he did at least begin the war that ended slavery.

Constructed Response Question

[Extended Response] Compare and contrast the two texts. Focus on the motivation and purpose of each in your comparison. Then, write your personal response to the question: “Did John Brown fail?” Cite evidence from the text then give me a summary

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Answer 1

In comparing the two excerpts from Frederick Douglass's speech, we can identify distinct motivations and purposes behind each text, while also highlighting the overarching theme of John Brown's legacy in the fight against slavery.

Comparison of Motivations and Purposes:

Excerpt 1 presents a factual recounting of the raid on Harpers Ferry. Douglass’s motivation here appears to be to provide a detailed historical account of the events, emphasizing the audacity and impact of John Brown's raid. He lists the various actions taken by Brown and his men, including their attacks on government property and the rallying of enslaved individuals to fight for their freedom. The purpose of this excerpt is to inform the audience about the events and characters involved, particularly focusing on the consequences faced by John Brown, including his execution. Douglass describes the raid as a significant event in the struggle against slavery but portrays it with a certain somber realism, acknowledging the violence and ultimate failure of the mission.

Excerpt 2, on the other hand, shifts from a historical recount to a more rhetorical inquiry about the significance of John Brown’s actions. This excerpt serves as a reflection on Brown’s motivations, asking whether he failed or succeeded in his mission. Douglass answers with a resounding declaration that Brown did not fail in the moral sense; instead, he argues that Brown’s sacrifice ignited a larger movement against slavery. Douglass emphasizes the nobility of Brown's cause, stating that a true measure of success lies in giving oneself to a righteous cause. The purpose of this excerpt is to inspire and incite pride in Brown's actions, portraying him as a martyr whose bravery paved the way for eventual emancipation.

Personal Response to the Question: “Did John Brown fail?”

In addressing the question of whether John Brown failed, I align with Douglass's perspective in Excerpt 2 that asserts Brown did not fail in vain. While his immediate mission at Harpers Ferry ended in violence and his own death, Brown’s actions were pivotal in igniting a national conversation about slavery and its morality. Douglass notes, “No man fails, or can fail who so grandly gives himself and all he has to a righteous cause.” This statement reflects the belief that sacrifices made in the fight for justice and equality hold a lasting significance that transcends immediate outcomes.

Moreover, Douglass underscores that although Brown did not achieve his goal of inciting a liberating army, he played a crucial role in starting the conflict that ultimately led to the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved people. Therefore, it is vital to acknowledge the broader implications of Brown’s actions rather than solely focusing on the tactical failures of the raid itself. In this sense, I agree with Douglass that Howard Brown’s fight against slavery laid the groundwork for future movements toward justice, making his legacy one of courage rather than failure.

Summary:

In his speech, Frederick Douglass provides two perspectives on John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry: the first focuses on a factual recount of the events and consequences, while the second reflects on the moral implications of Brown’s actions. Douglass ultimately argues that John Brown did not fail but instead made a significant contribution to the abolitionist cause, lighting a path toward eventual emancipation. This duality highlights the complexity of Brown's legacy, raising questions about the nature of success in the fight against injustice.