Themes in "John Henry": The principal themes of this poem are bravery, heroism, and death. The poem is based on a historical event in which John Henry does an impossible task. To build the railroad, he must pound a steel drill into a rock and set the explosives. He eventually dies when his heart fails. Although he knows that there is no hope for him, John Henry keeps on fighting even after he is injured. Other themes include: human dignity, sacrifice, equality, freedom, love, courage, loyalty, justice, innocence, punishment, redemption. This is an 1852 poem by American author William Cullen Bryant. It is one of the best-known poems in the United States. The poem describes the death of John Henry, a coal miner who defeats a steam engine in a race up a mountain. After his death, people celebrate his memory by singing songs at annual festivals called "Henry Days". Bryant used history to comment on social issues such as slavery and civil rights. In this case, he is criticizing the inequality between the rich and the poor. John Henry is shown to be equal to the white men who rule over him because he possesses great strength and is willing to fight for what he believes in. His death serves as a reminder that nobody should have to suffer for others' mistakes or crimes. In addition, John Henry represents the value of human dignity.