The Sad Story of Henry: Mental Health and "Thomas The Tank Engine"

The Sad Story of Henry: Mental Health and Thomas the Tank Engine

Henry in his old shape in The Three
Railway Engines.

The hit children's program Thomas and Friends has developed a close association with the Autism community in a positive manner.  This has gotten me to wonder about mental health within the over all series.  I'm not saying it was the Rev. W. Awdry's intention or that this is a fact, unlike some people from the Guardian, I'm just proposing that this maybe something to consider when watching some of these episodes. First and foremost, this is a children's show and, unless making it obvious, it doesn't need to be subtle or have some underlining meaning.  After re-watching the stories "Coal" and "Flying Kipper", part of me began to wonder if Henry may be relatable to those dealing with anxiety and depression.  I personally deal with such issues and have found myself relating to the green tender engine.

Blue Henry and Thomas from Tank
Engine Thomas Again.

For those who don't know, since this story arc occurred years ago, Henry appeared more like Gordon for the first few books in the Railway Series – even being painted blue for three books! By the time of the third book in the Railway Series, Tank Engine Thomas Again, Henry’s troubles become apparent and the green (well, blue at this point in the books) engine mentions his situation to Thomas, who passes it off as the former just being lazy (Awdry, Tank Engine Thomas Again, 8).

Still from the tv adaption of "Coal"

   By the time of book six, Henry the Green Engine, Henry’s prolonged condition is described as sometimes having the strength to work but at other times he felt too weak to do so (Awdry, Henry the Green Engine, 4).  It’s clear that the other engines have no patience for Henry’s problem, James even accusing Henry at the beginning of “Coal” of not working hard enough (Awdry, Henry the Green Engine, 4).  At the same time, the Fat Controller, who has done all he can for Henry, is losing patience: “You are too expensive, Henry.  You have had lots of new parts and new paint, but they’ve done you no good.  If we can’t make you better, we must get another engine…” (Awdry, Henry the Green Engine, 4). It is quickly discovered that the reason for Henry’s troubles is the quality of coal being used. Henry’s fireman argues that because he doesn’t have a big firebox like the other engines, Henry isn’t able to function as well using the same coal and suggests Henry be prescribed Welsh Coal as a solution (Awdry, Henry the Green Engine, 8)

Henry Gets his Welsh Coal

Still from the TV adaption of "Flying Kipper"

The success of the Welsh coal makes Henry feel great. He is able to work so well that the Fat Controller gives him the job of pulling The Flying Kipper. Unfortunately, on his first night of pulling the train, Henry collides into another train due to ice and snow jamming the points and signal (Awdry, Henry the Green Engine, 22). Upon arriving to survey the accident, the Fat Controller informs Henry that he will sent to Crewe, “a fine place for sick engines. They’ll give you a new shape and a larger firebox. Then you’ll feel a different engine, and you won’t need special coal any more” (Awdry, Henry the Green Engine, 28). Henry returns from Crewe a new engine with a new shape and went on to have many more escapades such as sneezing at some naughty boys and later moving two failed diesels all on his own.

So you may be asking: “how does the story of a green engine getting a new shape become relatable for someone with mental illness?” Well, people who do deal with anxiety or depression may feel like something is wrong but they aren’t sure what it is. Those around that person may either try to pass it off as nothing like Thomas and James, while those who are trying to help the person, like the Fat Controller, may be frustrated because they’ve done all they can to help but nothing is working. Henry can be seen as someone suffering from mental illness in that same regard. At the same time, the Welsh coal can serve as some sort of anti-depressant that allows him to function properly. Despite being properly medicated, people with mental health problems still struggle and can have points where things go the extreme; Henry’s accident with the Flying Kipper can serve to represent that sort of situation. Finally, going to Crewe is like going to therapy and getting the proper help needed to adjust and be able to cope with the illness in the best way. Henry comes back from Crewe a different engine, feeling much better than before. However, unlike Henry, there are still people who do get help and are medicated but still have to battle with mental illness every day. So please be patient.

Henry in his new shape at the end of "The Flying Kipper" from Henry the Green Engine

Sources

 "Awdryana." Awdryana. Accessed June 14, 2016. http://awdryana.tumblr.com/page/3. 

"Coal." Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia. Accessed June 14, 2016. http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Coal.

"The Flying Kipper." Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia. Accessed June 14, 2016. http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/The_Flying_Kipper.

"Henry." Awdry's Railway Series Wiki. Accessed June 12, 2016. http://awdrysrailwayseries.wikia.com/wiki/Henry.

"Henry." The Railway Series Wiki. Accessed June 14, 2016. http://the-railway-series.wikia.com/wiki/Henry.

Awdry, Rev. W. Henry the Green Engine. Leicester: Edmund Ward. 1951.

---. Tank Engine Thomas Again. Leicester: Edmund Ward. 1951.

NewController01. "TRSR2 HENRY THE GREEN ENGINE BOOK 6 PART 1 'Coal'" YouTube. 2009. Accessed June 14, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMrClf2JKCg.