Irving, Washington: 1783-1859

Rip van Winkle, 1819 - Before Reading

Before reading the book it helps to understand a few key ideas, historical context, and literary elements.
- 1. Historical Context: Before & After the American Revolution
  The story is set in the time around the American Revolution.
  - Before the Revolution: America was ruled by Britain (King George III).
  - After the Revolution: The United States became independent.
  Example: Rip falls asleep under British rule and wakes up 20 years later in a new country. When he returns, people are talking about elections instead of loyalty to the king—this confuses him.
- 2. Theme of Change vs. Escape
  Rip represents someone who avoids responsibility and “escapes” life.
  - He dislikes work and responsibility (especially at home).
  - His long sleep symbolizes avoiding change—but change happens anyway.
  Example: Rip sleeps through major historical transformation. When he wakes up, everything has changed—even though he tried to avoid dealing with life.
- 3. Character Types (Simple Archetypes)
  - Rip Van Winkle → kind but lazy
  - Dame Van Winkle (his wife) → strict, nagging, practical
  - Villagers → represent society and its expectations
  Example: Rip helps neighbors with small tasks but ignores his own farm—showing he is good-natured but irresponsible.
- 4. Setting: The Catskill Mountains
  The story takes place in the Catskill Mountains, which adds a mysterious, magical tone.
  - Nature is calm but also strange and supernatural.
  Example: Rip meets odd, silent men playing ninepins (bowling-like game) in the mountains—this is where the magical sleep begins.
- 5. Folklore & Myth Influence
  Irving was inspired by European legends (especially German folktales about long sleepers).
  Example: Rip’s 20-year sleep is similar to myths where people fall asleep and wake up in a different time—creating a sense of fantasy mixed with reality.
- 6. Tone: Humorous but Satirical
  The story is funny, but it also criticizes society and human behavior.
  Example: Rip prefers escaping his wife and responsibilities, which is humorous—but also shows a subtle critique of laziness and avoidance.
- 7. Symbolism to Watch For
  - Rip’s sleep → escape from responsibility / passage of time
  - His beard growing long → physical proof of time passing
  - The village changing → political and social transformation
- 8. Narrative Style (Story within a Story)
  Irving presents the tale as if it were found in old writings, adding realism.
  Example: The narrator claims the story comes from a historian named Diedrich Knickerbocker, making it feel like a “true legend.”
- 9. Quick Summary Idea
  Think of the story as:
  - A lazy man accidentally skips one of the most important periods in American history—and has to deal with the consequences.