11 Nov 2009 [ Prev | Next ]

Traditional, "John Henry" (late 19th C)

Read:

  • Wikipedia on John Henry
  • NPR's coverage: Present at the Creation

    On the above page, click on the audio icons to hear a news story and a recording of the ballad song, as well as the lyrics to one particular recording.

  • Read this early version of the song, and look at the four later versions that the site offers.

    On the above site, choose two versions of the song, and come to class with a one-paragraph statement that characterizes the textual differences between your chosen texts.

In what ways is the John Henry story a tall-tale? How is it social commentary? Is it primarily a story about technology, or about race? Is it too simplistic to say "both"?


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11 Comments

Katie Lantz said:

This blog examines folklore songs in connection with the John Henry legend.

http://blogs.setonhill.edu/KatieLantz/2009/11/oh_john_henry.html

John Henry: A Tale of Hope

Jeremy Barrick said:

"John Henry was a railroad man,
He worked from six 'till five" (Ballad of John Henry)

http://blogs.setonhill.edu/JeremyBarrick/2009/11/el_266_john_henry_the_mighty_f.html

Jennifer Prex said:

"John Henry was a railroad man, / He worked from six 'till five"
~stanza one of an early version

http://blogs.setonhill.edu/JenniferPrex/2009/11/the_steel_driving_man.html

Jamie Grace said:

"John Henry stands tall, broad shoulders above the rest" (para. 1)

http://blogs.setonhill.edu/JamieGrace/2009/11/how_tall_you_are.html

Sarah Durham said:

John Henry is an American folk hero, famous for having raced against a steam powered hammer and won, only to die in victory with his hammer in his hand" (wikipedia)

Jered Johnston said:

John Henry was a steel drivin' man,
He died with a hammah in his han',

http://blogs.setonhill.edu/JeredJohnston/2009/12/john_henry-americana_in_its_pu.html

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