Final answer:
After the hero of 'John Henry' dies, the people's reaction in passing locomotives reflects a mourning of his loss and an acknowledgment of the inevitable progress of technology. This signifies the broader societal tensions during the Industrial Revolution, where the shift from human to machine labor was both celebrated and lamented.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction of people in passing locomotives after the hero of 'John Henry' dies alludes to the profound impact he had as a symbol of strength and determination in the face of industrialization. John Henry is depicted as a hero who challenged the mechanical steam drill, representing the human spirit against the relentless advance of technology. His death is not just the passing of a man but a representation of the transition from human to machine power, and the reactions from people signify both a mourning of his loss and a resignation to the inevitable march of progress.
Throughout history, technological advancements, such as the steam locomotive and railroads, have brought significant changes to economies and societies. These changes are often met with mixed feelings, as symbolized in the cultural folklore of John Henry. The sentiment expressed by onlookers from the locomotives can be seen as a reflection of the broader societal struggle with the increasing depersonalization and mechanization that came with the Industrial Revolution.
Literature often captures these moments of change, sometimes with a sense of nostalgia for the past or caution for the future. In 'John Henry', this nostalgia and caution are crystallized in the response of the people to his death, reflecting the tension between human labor and industrial might.