American experience. John Brown's holy war. Interview with author Russell Banks. 4 of 5 / [produced by WGBH].

Boston, MA : WGBH Educational Foundation, 2000.

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Martyr, madman, murderer, hero: John Brown remains one of history's most controversial and misunderstood figures. In the 1850s, he and his ragtag guerrilla group embarked on a righteous crusade against slavery that was based on religious faith -- yet carried out with shocking violence. His execution at Harpers Ferry sparked a chain of events that led to the Civil War. Banks talks about Frederick Douglass - said plan was steel trap, but John Brown went, Martyr - plan failing, despair, last roll of dice, Martyr - elevated rhetoric, becomes memorably brilliant, Press - John Brown's words transformed North like nothing else could've, Martyr - John Brown's transformation great moment in US history, Press - media event w/ huge historical & political implications, Martyr - meaning of John Brown's life lies in its end, relief, Martyr - didn't plan it, saw as only option, genius, -H Ferry/Engine House - small, but John Brown had focus, control, H Ferry - can't plan it, must seize when occurs, still puzzles us, Press - transformation John Brown & antislavery movement as violent, Press - technology, first media darling, excitement in headlines, Press/Hero - John Brown knew he fit hero role, exploited it, Press - John Brown not shy, Press - American way to operate, look at cameras, Personality - John Brown not rigid, complex, human, Heroes - humanize them to make villainy/heroism possible for us, Personality - complex, if only a villain one can dismiss him, Pottawatomie - raises Qs for today, violence for principled cause, Icon - John Brown typical American of all time, figure who can be shared, North Elba - paradisiacal, father & fighte, North Elba - all aspects of his life working together, North Elba/Failure - had to settle debts, lost dream.

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October 02, 2023

Interviewee, Russell Banks.