The short story “Rip Van Winkle” written by Washington Irving is known for the way it portrays various incidents throughout the American Revolution. Rip vanishes from his arrogant spouse to walk to the Catskill mountains where he ends up in slumber for twenty years. The theme of nature and Rips character tie in with one another and demonstrates the ever changing world. Rip Van Winkle was introduced by the narrator as genial, diligent, and ne’er do well.
A trait Rip Van Winkle possesses is geniality. He was often described as a kindhearted man who was constantly looking out for the people. For example, Irving states, “I have observed he was a simple good natured man; he was moreover a kind neighbour, and an obedient, henpecked husband. Indeed, to the latter circumstance might be owing that meekness of spirit which gained him such universal popularity” (Irving 30-31). Thus, he never denied his help to anyone in the community regardless of how hard the task was. This helps demonstrate that he was a favored man in the village who many people respected. According to Irving, “He assisted at their sports, made their playthings, taught them how to fly kites and shoot marbles, and told them long stories of ghosts, witches, and Indians” (Irving 31). The children in the village also admired him
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Although, he was never concerned about his own appearance or household, he was always enthusiastic about the people’s labor. For instance, Irving declares, “In a word, Rip was ready to attend anybody’s business but his own; but as to doing family duty, and keeping his farm in order, it was impossible” (Irving 31). Winkle would claim there was never work to do around his farm, therefore, his land was in the worst condition. Instead, he would rather help neighbors by doing hard labor and running errands for the women. Lastly, this emphasizes how he is persistent with other people’s