Question

part 2: meaning of words and analysis
2a. in the second paragraph, what does the john brown mean by this statement: \had i interfered in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so - called great, or in behalf of any of their friends - either father, mother, brother, sister, wife, or children, or any of that class - and suffered and sacrificed what i have in this interference, it would have been all right; and every man in this court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment\

Explanation:

John Brown is suggesting that if he had intervened on behalf of the wealthy, powerful, intelligent, or so - called great people and their relatives, and made sacrifices in that interference, the people in the court would have considered his actions worthy of a reward instead of punishment. This implies a double - standard in society where actions for the privileged are viewed favorably while his actions, which were likely for a different (less privileged) cause, are punished.

Answer:

John Brown means that society has a double - standard where helping the rich and powerful would be rewarded, but his actions, which were likely for a different (less privileged) group, are punished.