Washington Irving Rip Van Winkle Summary Essays


Found 35149 essays.

Character And Theme In Rip Van Winkle

- The story of "Lip Van Winkle" can be understood as a political allegiance of British and American colonial relations and discourse of anti-feminist.In Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle", the role of Rip is closely related to its natural theme and its excellence in a changing world.You can easily connect text and write excellent papers using the next paper topic and a list of important quotes from Rip Van Winkle at the bottom of the page.The role and symbol of Rip in Washington Rip Van Winkle of Irving "Rip Van Winkle" is a well-known story.The magical element of the story made the lip fall asleep for 20 years, and when he woke up he was in a world completely changed by the time.The following quotes from Rip Van Winkle are all done by...


509 words (1.3 pages)
What Makes a Story American Literature? Essay

Irving also picked America winning independence from Great Britain to show change while Rip slept.“Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving proves that true American Literature does exist.Washington Irving was born in 1783 and died in 1859.Rip represented America because like Rip, America was ‘sleeping’ while under King George’s rule and America’s independence is Rip waking up from his sleep.Irving had written essays, biographies on George Washington and Muhammad, and short stories.


766 words (1.9 pages)
What Makes a Story American Literature? Essay

Rip represented America because like Rip, America was ‘sleeping’ while under King George’s rule and America’s independence is Rip waking up from his sleep.In “Rip Van Winkle,” Irving believes things change in order to have a purpose.In writing “Rip Van Winkle,” Irving was the first belletrist, or a person who writes for pleasure rather than for practical use.Irving had written essays, biographies on George Washington and Muhammad, and short stories.Irving also picked America winning independence from Great Britain to show change while Rip slept.


786 words (2.0 pages)
Rip Van Winkle Essay

Written during the early 1800s when American literature was heavily influenced by the Europeans, Washington Irving portrays America’s search for an identity through one of the first true American literature, Rip Van Winkle, using elements and characteristics of the literary era of American Romanticism.“Poor Rip was at last reduced almost to despair; and his only alternative, to escape from the labor of the farm and clamor of his wife, was to take gun in hand and stroll away into the woods.” Here poor Rip Van Winkle is in distress from being constantly nagged by his wife, Dame Van Winkle.Rip Van Winkle was controlled by his wife, much like how America was controlled by England.Washington Irving uses symbolism in Rip Van Winkle to showcase...


851 words (2.1 pages)
Van Hesling's Character

Van Helsing is a philosopher and metaphysician who plays many important roles in this novel.He formed criticism of American society through his hero Rip and Ichabod, and the town where they lived.The role of stocks, also called stereotypes, is consistent with the established characteristics of real life and literature.The role and symbol of Rip in Washington Rip Van Winkle of Irving "Rip Van Winkle" is a well-known story.And that is his sketch (n) to create another idea for the United States.People will not forget "elves" where Rip Van Winkle spent the night at the amphitheater.


285 words (0.7 pages)
Dame Van Winkle Is a Good Wife Essay

Dame Van Winkle is a good wife, even though she disciplines her husband by verbally and physically abusing him.This story by Washington Irving sets a good example of how a good wife should be.That proves that Dame Van Winkle is a good and caring wife that protects her family.The story, “Rip Van Winkle”, by Washington Irving, often shows what a good wife is.Dame Van Winkle scolds and yells at Rip, (her husband) so he can stop being lazy and make a living for her and her children, who don’t get a good quantity of food, and have old and worn out clothes.


267 words (0.7 pages)
Washington Irving, Comparison of 4 short stories

“Rip Van Winkle: Critical Overview.” ENotes.com.Clearly, there are certain literary elements that exist in the four stories by Washington Irving, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, “Rip Van Winkle”, “The Devil and Tom Walker”, and “The Spectre Bridegroom.” His imagination and ingenuity are clearly displayed in these fictional works of art.Though the author, Washington Irving, was mainly seen as a factual writer, these stories portray him much differently.Washington Irving: History, Tales and Sketches.“Rip Van Winkle.” The Sketch Book.


2177 words (5.4 pages)
“Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving Essay

But the main character of Washington Irving’s work doesn’t meet these requirements.In comparison to Benjamin’s Franklin Autobiography and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self reliance, there are some things that are similar, but overall Rip Van Winkle is completely different plot; in other words, it’s main character is unique.“Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving is a fiction story of a character whose destiny was affected by marvellous circumstances.Finally, it becomes clear that Rip Van Winkle is not either Franklinan or an Emersonian type of person, but the unique creation of Washington Irving, the American original figure.For example, the main character of the book, Rip Van Winkle, has a drawback – “insuperable aversion to all kinds of profita...


719 words (1.8 pages)
An Analysis of Developing American Literature Essay

While Irving discusses nature’s beauty in similar ways in the U. S. by giving a page description on a simple frozen lake in Somerville.” Nature is very important to Washington Irving and James Cooper.In Irving’s short story there is a sign hung in honor of General Washington representing the good that he‘s done for the country.Irving focuses on New York’s Hudson River while discussing the settings of “Rip Van Winkle.Whether stressing the importance of government change for the better in “Rip Van Winkle” or holding true to nature in “The Slaughter of the Pigeons” we all hold a part in the shaping American society.


738 words (1.8 pages)
“Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

According to Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography, a man should pursue the goal to be perfect by developing and mastering his Virtues, though the achievement of perfection seems for him slightly possible.“Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving is a fiction story of a character whose destiny was affected by marvelous circumstances.In comparison to Benjamin’s Franklin Autobiography and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self reliance, there are some things that are similar, but overall Rip Van Winkle is completely different; in other words, its main character is unique.Moreover, he is sure that there is no use to work there.For example, the main character of the book, Rip Van Winkle, has a drawback – “insuperable aversion to all kinds of profitable labour”(...


344 words (0.9 pages)
Sylvia Plath’s Poetry Essay

A tendency which is affirmed when she discloses, “I was ten when they buried you / At twenty I tried to die and get back, back, back to you” (Plath).Where the protagonist is described as “simple,” “kind,” and “good-natured,” his wife is called a “termagant,” “shrew” and at most, “tolerable.” The premise that good-natured husbands dread nagging housewives, and that Rip Van Winkle was lucky to have been away from his wife establishes the said stereotype, further affirmed at the end of the tale when the author ultimately concludes,  “It is a common wish of all hen-pecked husbands in the neighborhood, when life hangs heavy on their hands, that they have a quiet draught out of Rip Van Winkle’s flagon.” (Irving).The poet reconciles with her fa...


467 words (1.2 pages)
Essay on Reflection of American History in Rip Van Winkle

With the conclusion of the Revolutionary War comes the replacement of King George III’s rule with the presidency of George Washington.Rip stands exonerated from the accusation of being a spy and questions changes in the village he once knew so well.If Rip had not been justified by one who once knew him, there could have been an inescapable assault.Rip enters the village armed, ignorant of the fact that he presents the look of a loyalist.Rip becomes confused as he notes the changes in the sign where George Washington replaces King George III.


405 words (1.0 pages)
Character Analysis of Dame Van Winkle

A short novel by Washington Irving "Rip Van Winkle" is known for telling various aspects of life before and after the American Revolutionary War.Washington Owen showed this when Lip encountered a photograph of a ghost and a crew member of Henry HudsonRip Van Winkle 's wife Dame Van Winkle' s action, "Rip Van Winkle" incident occurred.The following quotes from Rip Van Winkle are all done by Dame Van Winkle, or Dame Van Winkle.These readings can be defined by analyzing the dynamics between Rip Van Winkle and Dame.After spending 20 years in the woods, Rip Van Wrinkle returned to a quaint village and found a house in a vibrant town.


444 words (1.1 pages)
Analysis Of The Book ' Young Goodman Brown ' And Washington Irving 's ' Rip Van Winkle '

Nathaniel Hawthorne 's "Young Goodman Brown" and Washington Irving 's "Rip Van Winkle" both convey changes in their views of the people and world around them.In conclusion, views in a person 's mind can change frequently.Rip Van Winkle was a man who traveled to the mountain to escape his nagging wife.Confused on what is going on, Rip Van Winkle travels back down the mountain towards the village.Perhaps, everybody 's views change a little, but we just don 't notice until it 's a really big change.


507 words (1.3 pages)
Luscious literary elements Essay

The use of time and location played an important part of the waking of Rip Van Winkle, the author makes use of this to describe to the reader the changes that have occurred over the twenty-year span.Irving allowed the reader to view the differences of characters and the effects they had upon one another by placing two different personalities together.Washington Irving’s use of these elements created a very descriptive and enjoyable story to read.Rip Van Winkle was described as a very likeable character that was willing to “assist any neighbor even in the roughest toil”, “but found it impossible to do his family duties and keep the farm in order”.Rip had a happy disposition, unlike his wife who henpecked her husband and had a tart temper....


672 words (1.7 pages)
Rip Van Winkle as Interesting Character Essay

In this point, it appears that Rip Van Winkle has a split personality.In my point of view Rip Van Winkle is a man with unbelievable luck.In “the story of Rip Van Winkle” written by Washington Irving is about a men named Rip Van Winkle, who is depicted as an interesting man.During his sleep, he got away from the war and his mean, nagging wife, and when he came back to the village after the sleep his daughter takes care of him immediately, whereas Rip Van Winkle did not take care of his daughter when she was a child.Therefore Rip Van Winkle is knows as happy-go-lucky.


520 words (1.3 pages)
Compare and Contrast Walter Mitty with Rip Van Winkle Essay

“In a word Rip was ready to attend to anybody’s business but his own; but as to doing family duty, and keeping his farm in order, he found it impossible.In a very similar short story, “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving, the main character Rip Van Winkle slips away from his domestic problems with his wife to a place of serenity where he can sleep in the peace and quiet of the Catskill Mountains.“Rip Van Winkle” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” are two very unique and priceless pieces of American literature.“Rip Van Winkle” is set in the colonial days from pre-Revolution to post-Revolution while “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is set in the roaring ’20s of the 20th century.(Thurber 2)” Another large similarity between Walter and ...


875 words (2.2 pages)
Analize a Conflict in “Rip Van Winkle” Essay

Whether Irving is romantic or not, the point is to display to every reader throughout time that we cannot sleep through a revolution, or shrink our responsibilities.She said Rip Van Winkle and Dame Van Winkle.It’s important to see both points because Rip going into the spiritual woods means both escape and adventure.Rip helped neighbors whenever possible, yet was unwilling towards his family.The point that Irving was making was that slowness will cause you to miss out on the things of the future.


646 words (1.6 pages)
Authors Use Of Irony In Short Stories English Literature Essay

Using the short stories, “Rip Van Winkle,” “Young Goodman Brown,” and “The Cask of Amontillado,” discuss the various authors’ use of irony in these stories.Consequently, with the aid of the Hollands, moreover a whole day of mountain climbing, Rip falls into a solemn, deep slumber.Another irony to reflect on is the ways wherein Irving anticipates lots of of Thoreau’s thoughts.Reluctant to profitable labor, the character prefers rambles within the mountains, sitting under the shade gossiping with his buddies moreover, playing with the community children (Irving 105).The irony is further noticed in Rip’s coldness to Dame Van Winkle.


1121 words (2.8 pages)
Themes of Nature

Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc., 2007.In this story Irving uses the Catskill Mountains as the first feature to be introduced to the setting of the story.These three works are “A Description of New England,” by John Smith, “Rip Van Winkle,” by Washington Irving, and “Thanatopsis,” by William Cullen Bryant.Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc., 2007. .Then in “Rip Van Winkle,” Washington Irving gives an illustrious description of the Catskills Mountains in New York.


784 words (2.0 pages)
Use of Irony in Young Goodman Brown

Long prior to the retreat to Walden Pond, Washington introduces Rip Van Winkle as a happy mortal, of idiotic, well-oiled characters, who take the humanity easy, eat brown bread or white, any that can be got without difficulty, and would rather go hungry on a penny than labor for a pound which is very ironic.In the short stories Rip Van Winkle, Young Goodman Brown and The Cask of Amontillado, the authors made use of irony which indicated mockery of something or someone in different ways.Washington develops the thesis of the story by use of irony.The irony is further noticed in Rip’s coldness to Dame Van Winkle.Soon afterwards, Rip stumbles upon a stranger who was moving what looked like a barrel of liquor.


1092 words (2.7 pages)
Comparing Fall of the House of Usher, Young Goodman Brown, and Rip Van Winkle

Three stories that use this particular technique are Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown," Edgar Allen Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher," and Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle.Comparing Fall of the House of Usher, Young Goodman Brown, and Rip Van Winkle .Irving,Washingtion.7th ed.New York: Macmillan, 2000.Poe,Edgar Allen.


467 words (1.2 pages)
Irony in Rip Van Winkle

Soon afterwards, Rip stumbles upon a stranger who was moving what looked like a barrel of liquor.Washington Irving used so much irony in his short story Rip Van Winkle.After meandering with his gun together with Wolf, his close companion, Rip trails himself into the higher parts of the mountains.Washington develops the thesis of the story by use of irony.Nevertheless when he wakes up, Rip does not know how long he has been sleeping or where both of his friends have gone off too.


1001 words (2.5 pages)
The Demon In Dame

Aside from what we are told from the viewpoint of Rip Van Winkle, we never actually experience this horrid monstrosity for ourselves.Direct correlation is made between Rip Van Winkle’s discontent and Dame Van Winkle’s constant nagging.Dame Van Winkle, according to Rip’s one-sided portrayal of Dame, is single-handedly responsible for all of the stress in his life.If readers are to believe in the indescribable wickedness of Dame Van Winkle, then we need to see examples of it so that we can make our own fair judgments.This, alone, should further denounce Rip’s credibility and Dame Van Winkle would be entirely justified in saying that she is not ruining his life: he’s ruining hers.


858 words (2.1 pages)
The Demon in Dame Van Winkle

It seems that Irving uses this story of Rip Van Winkle as a form of social commentary—the commentary being the echoing of men’s irrational beliefs that women are a destructive presence in men’s lives, and serve no greater purpose than to make men miserable.In conclusion, the story of “Rip Van Winkle” acts in many ways as an allegory for the relationships between men and women during this time, and moreso of men’s negative perception of women as being relentless, unforgiving nags—even when the husband is a relentlessly lazy, slothful overgrown child.Rip isn’t just simply failing to provide for his family; his family’s lack of food and resources is caused directly by Rip and his actions.There are constant references to her “termagant” (PP ...


1653 words (4.1 pages)
The American Character

This trend has been directed vividly in the role of Alden Pile, the main character in the implementation of the US plan to fight against Graham Green's novel "Quiet American", in particular Communism, to build democratic forces in Vietnam I will.The army is deeply involved in the task of the shuttle, they are not trying to scrap them, there is nothing to replace it.In addition to pragmatism as a unique feature of the American character, another aspect of American characteristics has always been respected and cherished.Rip entered the village and did not know that he had a loyal look.However, he deals only with one side of the Americans, for me this reflects strength, honesty, even elegance and is inseparable from idealism.Rip Van Winkle ...


390 words (1.0 pages)
Washington Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle” Essay

The magnificent description of the nature is almost like a heaven and with the presence of god, again shows the unusual and strange aspect of romanticism in the story.For some time Rip lay musing on this scene; evening was gradually advancing; the mountains began to throw their long blue shadows over the valleys; he saw that it would be dark long before he could reach the village…” Irving uses dreamy words such as majestic and lordly which suggest a presence of God.Rip some one calling his name and is led to strange men.The tale of Rip Van Winkle is mysterious and leaves the reader wondering if it really happened.It is extremely romantic and one of the first of its kind.


510 words (1.3 pages)
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Literary anaysis of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

Because of this, Washington Irving was crucial to the literary separation of the United States from Britain.Irving also uses gentle water imagery in his description of the town.The story begins with the poem “Castle of Indolence” Irving emphasizes a figurative meaning in this line of the poem “gay castles in the clouds”.Katrina Van Tassel is described as ” a blooming lass of fresh eighteen; plump as a partridge; ripe and melting and rosy-cheeked as one of her fathers peaches”.He wrote the “Sketch Book” which included stories such as “Rip Van Winkle” and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”.


611 words (1.5 pages)
Rip van Winkle and Young Goodman Brown Essay

Young Goodman Brown loses all faith in his life and humanity, therefore making the rest of his life miserable, and some might even say, not worth living.These two stories by Washington Irving and Nathaniel Hawthorne respectively, illustrate different examples of men wandering away from home, for somewhat different reasons, with somewhat the same results with the exception of the overall outcome upon the men.Both also result in the changing of said man, although much less Rip Van Winkle, into something a little less desirable.Rip van Winkle however, shows only the results of the events that took place in the mountains that day, and only recap Rip’s ability to maintain his previous lifestyle, although with a major chunk missing.Rip stays b...


846 words (2.1 pages)
Romanticism Essay

” (Irving 425) This revealed that Rip had been gone for twenty years, confusing him greatly.Hawthorne, Irving, Cooper, and Poe were just a few of the many American romantic writers of this time who helped to establish a difference between American and British Romanticism.When Rip asks Judith Gardenier about her father, she says: “Ah, poor man, Rip Van Winkle was his name, but it’s twenty years since he went away from home with his gun, and never has been heard of since—his dog came home without him; but whether he shot himself, or was carried away by the Indians, nobody can tell.Irving, Cooper, and Poe all utilize the characteristics of American Romanticism to create different images.One day, he meets a man up on the mountain and drinks ...


1595 words (4.0 pages)

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