Down the Line with John Henry
The story revolves around a young man who becomes involved with a woman from the wrong side of town and her brother, a notorious gang leader. The protagonist's relationships with these individuals lead to a series of events that ultimately result in his downfall.
By Hugh McHugh · First published 1929 · Genre: Humor, Satire, Fiction · 7 chapters · 10,863 words
First lines
I was anxious to make Clara Jane think that she was all the money, so I boiled out a few plunks, trotted over to the trolley, and rushed her to the race track.
I'm a dub on the dope, but it was my play to be a Wise Boy among the skates on this particular occasion, and I went the whole distance.
What this Textopian page supports
Down the Line with John Henry is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hugh McHugh, dated 1929 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hugh McHugh
- Date: 1929 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Satire, Fiction, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 10,863 words
- Structure: 7 chapters, 513 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Down the Line with John Henry by Hugh McHugh
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Down the Line with John Henry?
- How does this novel by Hugh McHugh fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Humor — The narrative is filled with comedic elements, witty dialogue, and humorous situations, making humor the most relevant genre.
- Satire — The story uses exaggeration and irony to critique social norms and behaviors, particularly in the context of relationships and societal expectations.
- Fiction — The book is a work of fiction, with a narrative structure and characters that are products of the author's imagination.
- Adventure — The protagonist's escapades, including the race track and automobile incidents, contribute to an adventurous tone.
Tags
American Literature · Fiction · Railroad Story · Historical Fiction · Classic Novel · Social Commentary · Working Class Life · Labor Movement · Industrialization Era · Racial Tensions · Regionalism · Southern Gothic
Contents
- John Henry at the Races
- John Henry with the Drummers
- John Henry in Bohemia
- John Henry and the Hotel Clerk
- John Henry and the Benzine Buggy
- John Henry at the Musicale
- John Henry on Golf