"The Ballad Of John Henry" Paired Text "John Henry' Man Vs. Machine"
. Please remember to READ QUESTIONS FIRST!
Then read the ballad "The Ballad of John Henry" I will give you a hard copy and/or it can be found at this link:
https://www. Poetryfoundation. Org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/42897
Then read "John Henry' Man vs. Machine" (hard copy)
- 1.
Read these lines form the poem "The Ballad of John Henry."But John Henry said, "Captain, just you stand aside --It's nothing but my hammer catching wind, Lord, Lord,It's nothing but my hammer catching wind.Which type of figurative language is being used by the poet?
- A.
Simile
- B.
Analogy
- C.
Personfication
- D.
Alliteration
Correct Answer
C. PersonficationExplanation
The poet is using personification in these lines. Personification is a figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to non-human things. In this case, the poet is giving human qualities to the hammer by saying that it is "catching wind."Rate this question:
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- 2.
Using the same lines from the poem:But John Henry said, "Captain, just you stand aside --It's nothing but my hammer catching wind, Lord, Lord,It's nothing but my hammer catching wind.Why does the author use the last 2 lines the way he does ---with Lord, Lord stuck after the line then the repetition of the same line? (Please note this set-up is used throughout the poem as well) What is the author's purpose in doing this?
- A.
To call to mind the fact that the Lord should be remembered
- B.
To give the reader the idea of the pace of Henry's hammering
- C.
To help the reader imagine the coolness of the metal hammer and the feeling of the day
- D.
To give the reader the mental image and the feel of the hammer striking over and over
Correct Answer
D. To give the reader the mental image and the feel of the hammer striking over and overExplanation
The author uses the last two lines in this way to give the reader a vivid mental image and a sense of the repetitive and relentless nature of John Henry's hammering. The repetition of the line "It's nothing but my hammer catching wind" emphasizes the rhythmic and continuous motion of the hammer striking over and over. The inclusion of "Lord, Lord" after the line adds a touch of emotion and emphasizes the intensity of John Henry's labor. This technique helps the reader imagine the physicality and the tireless effort of John Henry as he works with his hammer.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Read the following stanza from "The Ballad of John Henr."John Henry said to his shaker,"Shaker, boy, you better start to pray,Cause if my twelve-pound hammer miss that little piece of steel,Tomorrow'll be your burying day, Lord, Lord,Tomorrow'll be our burying day."Based on the stanza, what does the word 'shaker' mean?
- A.
A container used for holding loose items
- B.
A person whose job it is to hold a tool
- C.
A machine that drives steel nails
- D.
A person who can stop shaking motions
Correct Answer
B. A person whose job it is to hold a toolExplanation
Based on the stanza, the word 'shaker' refers to a person whose job it is to hold a tool. This is evident from the line "John Henry said to his shaker, 'Shaker, boy, you better start to pray.'" The word 'shaker' is used to refer to someone who assists John Henry by holding the tool while he works, indicating that their role is to hold the tool for him.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is an important THEME of "The Ballad of John Henry"?
- A.
Machines are faster and better than humans
- B.
Outer strength is more important than inner strength
- C.
The human spirit is stronger than any machine
- D.
Humans are important creatures to the universe
Correct Answer
C. The human spirit is stronger than any machineExplanation
The correct answer is "The human spirit is stronger than any machine". This theme is evident in the story of John Henry, who challenges a steam-powered drill to a race and ultimately sacrifices his own life to prove that human strength and determination can surpass the power of machines. This theme emphasizes the resilience and indomitable spirit of the human race in the face of technological advancements.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In the ballad - John Henry twice mentions a connection between his hammer and his death before he even begins to battle the steam drill. What EFFECT does this have on the reader?
- A.
It confuses the reader, because the reader does not know whether his word is trustworthy or not.
- B.
It lessens the suspense for the reader by revealing exactly will occur
- C.
It annoys the reader, because the reader thinks John Henry should have been able to avoid his death.
- D.
It gives the reader an anxious feeling by using foreshadowing and making John Henry's downfall seem fated from the beginning.
Correct Answer
D. It gives the reader an anxious feeling by using foreshadowing and making John Henry's downfall seem fated from the beginning.Explanation
The correct answer is: It gives the reader an anxious feeling by using foreshadowing and making John Henry's downfall seem fated from the beginning.
By mentioning a connection between his hammer and his death before even facing the steam drill, John Henry creates a sense of foreshadowing. This foreshadowing creates tension and anxiety for the reader, as it suggests that John Henry's downfall is inevitable and predetermined. This technique adds depth to the story and engages the reader emotionally, as they anticipate the tragic outcome for the protagonist.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which quotation from "John Henry: Man vs. Machine" shows that the story is using hyperbole in places and thus, is exaggerated, if not altogether made-up?
- A.
"One and a quarter miles long, it would cut through a mountain and become the longest railroad tunnel in America."
- B.
"They bought John a new 20-pound hammer and gave Lucy a flapjack turner big enough to flip hotcakes the size of wagon wheels."
- C.
"But you gotta promise, if I win, you'll keep all the men working until the Big Bend Tunnel is finished."
- D.
"The next day, the man-giant and the steam drill lined up side by side, near the end of the tunnel, while a big crowd gathered inside."
Correct Answer
B. "They bought John a new 20-pound hammer and gave Lucy a flapjack turner big enough to flip hotcakes the size of wagon wheels."Explanation
This quotation from "John Henry: Man vs. Machine" shows that the story is using hyperbole because it exaggerates the size of the tools that John and Lucy are given. A 20-pound hammer and a flapjack turner big enough to flip hotcakes the size of wagon wheels are both unrealistic and exaggerated descriptions, indicating that the story is not meant to be taken literally.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Read this line from "John Henry: Man vs. Machine.""But you gotta promise, if I win you'll keep all the men working until the Biog Bend Tunnel is finished."What does this sentence reveal about John Henry's character
- A.
He wants to show that he is stronger than any machine.
- B.
He cares deeply about his fellow workers and wants them to be ok/keep their jobs.
- C.
He thinks his boss is probably a dishonest man.
- D.
He wants the tunnel finished more than anything else in his life.
Correct Answer
B. He cares deeply about his fellow workers and wants them to be ok/keep their jobs.Explanation
The sentence reveals that John Henry cares deeply about his fellow workers and wants them to be okay and keep their jobs. This is evident from his request to his boss to keep all the men working until the Biog Bend Tunnel is finished, indicating his concern for their employment and well-being.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In "John Henry: Man vs. Machine," which major UNIVERSAL THEME of the story is expressed through the final events between John Henry and the machine?
- A.
Machines, though fast, lack the heart and dedication that people have.
- B.
Men and women - though different - should be treated as equals.
- C.
People can do twice as much work as a machine without needing repairs.
- D.
No matter what the situation, give everything you have to do your best and be successful
Correct Answer
D. No matter what the situation, give everything you have to do your best and be successfulExplanation
The correct answer suggests that the major universal theme expressed through the final events between John Henry and the machine is the idea that no matter what the situation, one should give everything they have to do their best and be successful. This is evident in the story as John Henry, despite knowing that he may lose to the machine, puts forth all his effort and determination to prove himself and give his best. This theme highlights the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in achieving success.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following descriptions of heroes in some classic stories is MOST like the character of John Henry in "The Ballad of John Henry"?
- A.
The hero grows up being trained to confront an enemy and is hesitant as an adult, but knows there is no one who can take his/her place.
- B.
The hero travels far away from home to take on a seemingly unbeatable foe, saves a bunch of lives of various people through his/her actions.
- C.
The hero comes from humble beginnings, but through a twist of fate his/her life changes and he/she finds a true calling
- D.
The hero takes on a seemingly impossible task, completes it using every bit of his/her strength, but then ends up dying/giving his/her life for the cause.
Correct Answer
D. The hero takes on a seemingly impossible task, completes it using every bit of his/her strength, but then ends up dying/giving his/her life for the cause.Explanation
The character of John Henry in "The Ballad of John Henry" is most like the hero who takes on a seemingly impossible task, completes it using every bit of his strength, but then ends up dying or giving his life for the cause. In the ballad, John Henry is a steel-driving man who challenges a steam-powered drill in a race to dig a tunnel. Despite his determination and strength, John Henry ultimately sacrifices himself to prove that human labor can outperform machines. This parallels the hero in the given answer who faces an impossible task, gives their all, and ultimately sacrifices their life for the cause.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In which stanza of "The Ballad of John Henry" is it best illustrated that beating the steel drill is John Henry's destiny?
- A.
First
- B.
Fourth
- C.
Seventh
- D.
Tenth
Correct Answer
C. SeventhExplanation
In the seventh stanza of "The Ballad of John Henry," it is best illustrated that beating the steel drill is John Henry's destiny. This stanza describes how John Henry's hammering is so powerful that it creates sparks and his eyes light up with determination. It emphasizes his incredible strength and unwavering commitment to his work, highlighting the idea that beating the steel drill is his inevitable fate.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The narrator of "John Henry: Man vs Machine" does not tell the reader Lucy's feelings during and after the contest. What effect does this have on the reader's experience.
- A.
It allows the image of Lucy's falling tears to show us how intensely she feels.
- B.
It creates a tense feeling that is not resolved even when the story has ended
- C.
It frustrates the reader because we don't know Lucy's reaction at the end.
- D.
It shows how John Henry must have wondered about Lucy's feelings at the end of his life too.
Correct Answer
A. It allows the image of Lucy's falling tears to show us how intensely she feels.Explanation
The narrator's decision not to explicitly mention Lucy's feelings during and after the contest allows the reader to infer her emotions through the image of her falling tears. This indirect approach adds depth to Lucy's character and intensifies the reader's understanding of her emotional state. By not explicitly stating her feelings, the narrator creates a more immersive experience for the reader, allowing them to connect with Lucy on a deeper level.Rate this question:
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- 12.
"John Henry: Man vs. Machine" shares a theme with which of the following myths?
- A.
Like Achilles, who perished because of his own small weakness, John Henry died because he didn't truly know himself and/or know when to stop for his own good.
- B.
Like Icarus who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death - John Henry died because his pride was too strong.
- C.
Like David, who defeated the giant Goliath, John Henry learned that being big does not mean being unbeatable.
- D.
Like Theseus, who cleverly found his way out of the Labyrinth, John Henry understood that brains beat strength.
Correct Answer
A. Like Achilles, who perished because of his own small weakness, John Henry died because he didn't truly know himself and/or know when to stop for his own good.Explanation
The correct answer is that "Like Achilles, who perished because of his own small weakness, John Henry died because he didn't truly know himself and/or know when to stop for his own good." This explanation suggests that John Henry's downfall was similar to Achilles', as both characters had a fatal flaw that led to their demise. In John Henry's case, his lack of self-awareness and inability to recognize his limits ultimately led to his death. This parallels Achilles' downfall, as his vulnerability in his heel caused his demise.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A comparison between the two texts can be seen in that....
- A.
In both texts the protagonist is Lucy
- B.
In both texts the antagonist is John Henry
- C.
In both texts the protagonist is John Henry
- D.
In both texts the antagonist is Lucy
Correct Answer
C. In both texts the protagonist is John HenryExplanation
The given answer states that in both texts, the protagonist is John Henry. This means that in both texts, the main character or the central figure is John Henry. This suggests that the focus of the story or the main character's journey is centered around John Henry in both texts.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Who - or what - is the antagonist in both texts?
- A.
The railroad
- B.
The steam drill
- C.
The mountain
- D.
John Henry's coworikers
Correct Answer
B. The steam drillExplanation
The antagonist in both texts is the steam drill. In both texts, the steam drill is presented as a powerful and formidable force that threatens the protagonist. It is portrayed as a symbol of industrialization and progress, while also representing the loss of traditional ways of life. The steam drill's presence creates conflict and tension in the stories, as it challenges the protagonist's skills and livelihood. Ultimately, the steam drill serves as the main source of opposition and obstacle for the protagonist to overcome.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Complete the following ANALOGY by choosing the answer with the same relationship as this statement:John Henry :: :hammer
- A.
Mom :: dad
- B.
Teacher :: student
- C.
Doctor :: medicine
- D.
Cat :: dog
Correct Answer
C. Doctor :: medicineExplanation
The analogy in the given statement is that John Henry is associated with a hammer, just as a doctor is associated with medicine. In both cases, the second term is a tool or substance that is closely related to the first term and is often used or associated with it.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 02, 2017Quiz Created by
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