ENGLISH AMERICAN

LITERATURE

PREPARED BY: MANILYN A. CABAYAO

Rip Van Winkle • Is a short story by American

author Washington Irving published in 1819, as well as the name of the story's fictional protagonist. Written while Irving was living in Birmingham, England, it was part of a collection entitled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon

AUTHOR’S SHORT BIOGRAPHY

• Washington Irving • American author, essayist, biographer,

historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century.

• He is best known for his short stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle", both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

•Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846.

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CHARACTERSRip Van Winkle – a henpecked husband '.

Dame Van Winkle – Rip Van Winkle's wife.

Rip Van Winkle Jr.– Rip Van Winkle's son.

Judith Gardenier – Rip Van Winkle's daughter.

Wolf – Rip's faithful dog

ANALYSIS

• In this classic American tale, a hen-pecked Rip Van Winkle wanders off with his dog Wolf into the Catskill mountains for some peace and quiet

• He discover a group of strange characters playing nine-pins and drinking a even stranger brew.

• • .

• Despite warnings not to imbibe the drink, Rip sneaks a taste and falls into a deep sleep.

• Upon waking Rip discovers Wolf has wandered off and thinks someone has played a prank on him when he finds a rusted out weapon at his side instead of his own rifle.

• Wandering back into the village Rip Van Winkle is shocked to realize he no longer recognizes anyone and that things seem unfamiliar.

• • Suspicions are arosed that

Rip may be a Tory spy loyal to the crown since his knowledge of current affairs and politics is sadly lacking.

• . He manages to establish his identity after being recognized by his daughter and Peter Vanderdonk, the most ancient inhabitant of the village.

• Still incredulous of Rip's

explanation for his twenty-year absence. Rip enters the village he notices a number of differences. He lived with his daughter.

THE END