Rip Van Winkle is one of Washington Irving’s most famous works. Rip Van Winkle was adored by all in his village. Women, men, and children alike all came to Rip whenever they needed something. Whether it is to play a game with a child or help a fellow villager with something. The villagers would describe him as a “simple good-natured man.” Unfortunately for Rip, even though he showed great communalism within his village, he was a poor family man. Not in monetary value but, his inadaptability to care for his family emotionally and willingly. Irving clearly shows this with how Rip treats the village children compared to his own son and his willingness to help odd strangers. Even though Rip is basically unkempt toward his family, there is one family member he does show kindness too and that is his dog, Wolf. First off Irving clearly defines Rip’s relationship with the village children by writing, “He assisted at their sports, made their playthings, taught them to fly kites, and shoot marbles…” this shows how much he …show more content…
This is expressed when Rip goes out to the woods with his dog to escape his wife and Rip says to his dog, “poor Wolf…thy mistress leads thee a dog’s life of it; but never mind, my lad, whilst I live thou shalt never want a friend to stand thee!” Rip found it easy to sympathize with his dog because he felt as if he and his dog are one in the same, since they both live with Dame Van Winkle, Rip’s wife. Her constant nagging driving Rip away from his household duties, which include tending the farm and being a good father figure for his son. Wolf is simple a dog that cannot nag Rip for not doing something or be a constant burden on him. Since Rip takes good care for Wolf and spend most of his time with him, compared to the rest of his family members, the dog will naturally adore Rip and follow him anywhere he