Withi Within The Old Ironsides Analysis

In the 1800’s people have created American values that they abide by. Compassion, Patriotism and strength are some of many American Values. These three values are in all three tales, but each tale magnifies one of the three American Values.

In Rip Van Winkle compassion is shown as an American Value. Compassion is shown toward wolf and Rip Van Winkle. Rip is seen as a kind, but lazy old man who is always being nagged by his wife Dane Van Winkle. Wolf is also a victim of the wife and is always by Rips side. The feeling of compassion is felt when reading this story. You feel bad for Rip and wolf because they always picked on by the wife who is described with a sharp tongue. Compassion is felt once more when Rip wakes up 20 years later and does not know where he is and finds his dog no longer remembers him and his friends and most neighbors have passed on. Rip is confused and almost mistaken as a tyrant most likely leading to execution. Other than compassion this tale depicts patriotism, but not as much as Old Ironsides.

In Old Ironsides patriotism is depicted throughout the entire tale. Mentions of blood and victory America has seen on this ship was a way to sway the American people to go against the government for tearing down the ship. “ Her deck once red with heroes’ blood, where knelt the vanquished foe”( Oliver Wendell Holmes Pg 80). Oliver Knew America Values includes Patriotism and American people loved Patriotism so he described the ship as “eagle of the sea” to resemble the American national bird/mascot the bald eagle which represents pride, strength, freedom, and fierce beauty of America. Patriotism is shown the most in this tale, but like many others in this era the tale also shows strength much like the tale of The