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Irving's Struggle In Rip Van Winkle

842 Words4 Pages

Irving does a great job interpreting the time of radical, societal and political transformation that came up because of the American Revolution through this story. The story is based on two essential segments during that time period focused on before Rip fell asleep and after he woke up. The time period before Rip falls asleep, he struggles with managing his family and farm. He does everything he can to stay away from his nagging wife. His marriage was in trouble as Irving stated “Times grew worse and worse with Rip Van Winkle as years of matrimony rolled on; a tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener by constant use” (32). Rip was more concerned about his dog and socializing …show more content…

Dame was so used to being in charge that she would go around dictating to everyone. Even Wolf the dog was petrified of her. She was the representative of the British rule, which had a strong arm over America. Dame constantly pestered and hollered at her husband. She frequently talked about his laziness and uncaring ways. Dame consistently harassed him and controlled him (Irving 32). During all of the fussing, Rip would just take it and say nothing in return. He had tolerated the harassment for such a long time it just didn’t seem worth arguing back. He feared his wife and was afraid to talk back and voice out his opinions and feelings. He didn’t want to cause any more issues that would lead to mistreatment on her part. This can be connected to the period before the revolution. Just like Rip, the Americans lived in constant fear of torture and were afraid of challenging the British rule. The period before Rip falls asleep the Americans are in bondage and freedom wasn’t even close to being seen. Upon Rip waking up and returning home everything is different. The changes are colorful and full of life. The townspeople show how society has changed into an independent country. The death of Rip’s wife Dame shows that the period of bondage is over. Scholars are beginning to think and invent which symbolizes that life in America has evolved. The citizens have a true enthusiasm for

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