Final answer:
John Brown's charisma increased in the North as he became viewed as a martyr for the anti-slavery cause, particularly following his composed demeanor during trial and execution. Public opinion shifted to see him as a figure who challenged Southern power and the institution of slavery through his ultimate sacrifice.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Brown's Charisma in the North
John Brown's charisma in the North actually increased due to his attitude during his trial and execution, and the principles he stood for. Brown understood his martyr role and cultivated it; he suggested he would forfeit his life to help end slavery. His refusal to plead insanity, his composure throughout the process, and his ultimate sacrifice had a profound effect on public opinion. This act, coupled with his eulogized martyrdom by preachers and honors such as church bells tolling, significantly raised his stature in the eyes of many Northerners. While Brown's violent tactics were not condoned, there was an acknowledgment that it was time to challenge southern power and address the issue of slavery head-on. Northerners began to see him less as a militant radical and more as someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for a cause they believed was just.