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.
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"?
http://blogs.setonhill.edu/mt/mt-tb.cgi/3762
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
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
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
Excerpt: Traditional, "John Henry" (late 19th C) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266)...
Weblog: MeredithHarber
Tracked: November 9, 2005 09:09 PM
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
Where is this text located? thank you
Posted by: michelle koss at November 7, 2005 05:32 PMYou were a bit ahead of me -- I just updated the site now.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at November 7, 2005 11:00 PM