How Does Washington Irving Use Imagery In Rip Van Winkle

Imagery is defined as the use of “figurative language to represent objects, actions, and ideas” in a way to “appeal to our physical senses” (LiteraryDevices Editors). Washington Irving is an American author during the early ages of an independent America. Taking place before and after the American Revolution, Irving offers offers a unique perspective on small American towns. Throughout his short story Rip Van Winkle, Irving incorporates the element of imagery to connect the audience to the setting, relate the character to the audience, and enhance the reader's experience. Irving writes as the main character, Rip Van Winkle. Winkle describes the landscape as he goes hunting that in which “gray vapours” would gather in the “last rays of the setting sun” and would “glow and light up like a

Irving provides imagery in the way that the reader can picture the hard work Winkle is doing on the farm, only to be constantly nagged by his wife. Winkle then feels the need the “escape” from everything, just as most people do during their own stressful times (_). Consequently, this helps the audience connect with the main character on a personal level. Had the author not provided this section of imagery, the story likely would not have been as engaging for the reader. A final example of Irving using imagery is when Irving enhances the reading experience. Irving uses more of an audible kind of imagery, in the sense that he describes how Wrinkle hears “the noise of balls... were rolled, echoed along the mountains like rumbling peals of thunder” (_). Using such a form of imagery allows the reader to feel as if they are in the same place as the main character because one can imagine how the scene would look based off the sound Irving describes. The reader can hear what Rip Van Winkle hears, thus getting the reader more involved in the