Title: The Abolitionist Debate: To Support John Brown or Not?

Characters: 1. Sarah - A passionate abolitionist who believes in non-violent resistance. 2. Thomas - A moderate abolitionist who is unsure about supporting John Brown. 3. Elizabeth - A radical abolitionist who supports John Brown’s methods. 4. James - A pacifist abolitionist who is against violence in any form. 5. John - A pragmatic abolitionist who is weighing the pros and cons of supporting John Brown.

Scene 1: A meeting of abolitionists in a small church basement.

Sarah: (addressing the group) Friends, we have gathered here today to discuss the actions of John Brown and whether or not we should support his violent methods in the fight against slavery.

Thomas: I must admit, I am torn on this issue. While I understand the urgency of ending slavery, I am not sure if violence is the answer.

Elizabeth: Violence is sometimes necessary to achieve justice. John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry was a bold and courageous act that struck fear into the hearts of slave owners.

James: I cannot condone violence in any form. We must follow the path of non-violent resistance, as advocated by leaders like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.

John: I agree with Sarah that non-violent resistance is the most effective way to bring about change. However, I can see the appeal of John Brown’s actions in stirring up the abolitionist movement.

Scene 2: The group continues to debate the issue, with tensions rising.

Sarah: Violence only begets more violence. We must show the world that we can achieve our goals through peaceful means.

Thomas: But what if peaceful means are not enough to end the horrors of slavery? What if we need to take more drastic action to bring about change?

Elizabeth: John Brown understood that sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. His actions may have been extreme, but they were necessary to shake the foundations of the slaveholding South.

James: I cannot support any form of violence, no matter how noble the cause. We must find a way to end slavery without resorting to bloodshed.

John: I believe that we must weigh the consequences of supporting John Brown. While his methods may be controversial, they have brought attention to the plight of the enslaved and galvanized the abolitionist movement.

Scene 3: The group takes a vote on whether or not to support John Brown.

Sarah: (addressing the group) It is time to make a decision. All those in favor of supporting John Brown, raise your hands.

(Elizabeth and John raise their hands)

Thomas: (hesitantly raising his hand) I…I am still unsure about this, but I will support John Brown for now.

James: (shaking his head) I cannot in good conscience support violence. I must vote against supporting John Brown.

Sarah: (sighing) It seems we are divided on this issue. We must continue to work together to end slavery, even if we do not all agree on the methods.

John: (nodding) We may have differing opinions, but we all share the same goal of ending slavery. Let us continue to work towards that goal, no matter the obstacles we face.

Scene 4: The group reflects on their decision and the future of the abolitionist movement.

Sarah: (looking around at the group) We may not all agree on the issue of supporting John Brown, but we must remember that we are all fighting for the same cause. Let us continue to work together to bring about the end of slavery.

Thomas: (nodding) I may have had doubts about supporting John Brown, but I understand now that we must stand united in our fight against slavery.

Elizabeth: (smiling) John Brown may have been a controversial figure, but his actions have sparked a fire in the hearts of abolitionists everywhere. Let us harness that energy to bring about real change.

James: (sighing) I may not agree with violence, but I will stand with my fellow abolitionists in the fight against slavery. Together, we can make a difference.

John: (raising his fist) Let us continue to work towards a future where all men and women are free from the chains of slavery. Our cause is just, and together, we can achieve our goal.

(The group joins hands in solidarity, united in their commitment to ending slavery and fighting for justice)

The End.