"The Ballad Of John Henry" Paired Text "John Henry' Man Vs. Machine"

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.