This would create a productive discussion among readers, not the sporadic, vague, noncommittal suggestions the author currently includes. McPherson only begins to hint at an argument in the last two pages, where he examines the question of whether or not John Brown was a terrorist. However, he leaves this response hanging by stating that what one person considers terrorism, another considers an act of heroism – yet another open-ended thought without affirmation as to what a firm response might be. For me, this was the only part where I was really able to think more deeply about the impact of an individual's actions as a symbol beyond the Civil War. Only afterwards was I able to look back and dig into the essay to find the vague affirmation of the broader impact that was woven through the stories of these individuals' lives. I understand that these topics are incredibly subjective and sensitive, but that is why, more than any other reason, McPherson should write to provide a clear answer to this very controversial topic, as opposed to a subtle one.