John Henry Tall Tale

Which point of view was used in this tall tale?

• 1st Person

• 3rd Person Limited

• 3rd Person Onmiscient

• Captain Tommy is telling the story

Which text evidence below verifies this is a Tall Tale?

• "John Henry swung the hammer..."

• "Henry gladly accepted."

• "...but, Henry loved it!"

• "...could do the work of twenty men."

What is the theme of the selection?

• Bragging and boasting that you are better than everyone is okay every now and then.

• Teamwork helps solve any dilemma you encounter.

• If you are industrious you will be given more work.

• Having confidence in your abilities can help you succeed and prevail.

What was the climax of the story? Use text evidence to support your answer.

We can infer all the other railroad workers were happy the steam drill failed because that would mean-

• They were intrigued by the contest and did not care who won.

• Many workers would get to keep their job now that the steam drill failed.

• John Henry would have to do the work of all the men and they would get to go home.

• There would be an annual contest between Henry and the steam drill.

Use paragraphs 1 and 2 to draw a detailed image of the work the men and Henry were doing.