American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266)


10 Nov 2005

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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http://blogs.setonhill.edu/mt/mt-tb.cgi/3762

John Henry
Excerpt: Traditional, "John Henry" (late 19th C) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266) I think that this could be just a tall tale, however the message that it was meant to convey is true. I also think that this story is...
Weblog: StacyEstatico
Tracked: November 8, 2005 05:55 PM
John Henry Site
Excerpt: Traditional, "John Henry" (late 19th C) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266) I found another site for John Henry that talks about the different versions of the story. One that originated in Alabama and one that originated in West Virginia....
Weblog: StacyEstatico
Tracked: November 8, 2005 06:02 PM
John Henry
Excerpt: I've heard the story of John Henry before, yet I don't exactly recall when or where. I was younger and, honestly, I'm surprised I remember it at all. At the time it was just another ballad. (Actually, I think I...
Weblog: Special K
Tracked: November 9, 2005 02:11 PM
John Henry
Excerpt: Traditional, "John Henry" (late 19th C) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266)...
Weblog: MeredithHarber
Tracked: November 9, 2005 09:09 PM
John Henry Selections
Excerpt: Traditional, "John Henry" (late 19th C) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266) "I'll die with a hammer in my hand" (John Henry, Steel Driving Man). After reading these lines in the ballad, I noticed how serious it was and how...
Weblog: AshleyHoltzer
Tracked: November 10, 2005 08:19 AM
Comments

Where is this text located? thank you

Posted by: michelle koss at November 7, 2005 05:32 PM

You were a bit ahead of me -- I just updated the site now.

Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at November 7, 2005 11:00 PM
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