Washington Irving

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Blue Ridge Community and Technical College *

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112

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Arts Humanities

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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pdf

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I think that Irving references these staples of America’s foundation as points of contrast against the unexplainable circumstances included in his stories. By using these sites of greatness and referencing great American heroes, Irving shows the reader that man is not always in control, not even an American man. One reason why people often flock to the horror genre is because they want to give up control. They don’t know when something is going to cause them to jump in their seats. Irving uses this particular genre in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to illustrate how nature and mystery are beyond human control. For example, Ichabod Crane is constantly trying to use coping mechanisms to feel like he is in control. He carries around Cotten Mather’s book so that he can cope with his gear; he believes a monster he can see is better than a monster he cannot see. I believe that his pleasure in reciting ghost stories stems from his need for control. However, not even a renowned religious man like Mather can protect him. Additionally, Crane combats his fear of the unknown by “sing[ing] psalm tunes” (45). When he first sees the horseman, his first instinct is to sing: “Once more he cudgeled the sides of the inflexible Gunpowder, and shutting his eyes, broke forth with involuntary fervor into a psalm tune” (58). Even the horse’s stubbornness is representative of the impossibility that man can fully control nature. However, this same message is displayed in Rip Van Winkle’s twenty-year slumber. Obviously, he had no control over his sleep because he was given some sort of elixir. When he awakes, he finds that his world has been completely changed while he is under supernatural influence: “The red coat was changed for one of blue and buff, a sword was stuck in the hand instead of a scepter” (37). Irving uses these supernatural circumstances in his short stories to combat the growing American need to conquer and master the land and Native inhabitants. He proves that the white man can collect as much earthly power as he pleases, but he still cannot control time or nature. Irving argues that Americans should not be fooled into thinking that they have mastered all of nature, for there are still mysteries yet to unfold. Irving uses extensive natural imagery to convey a sense of awe and mystery in the minds of his readers. For example, when Rip Van Winkle climbs a peak in the Kaatskill mountains, he notices how nature is simultaneously a comfort to him, as well as a daring mystery. On one side, he sees “the lordy Hudson” and “the reflection of a purple cloud” (33). These images of landmarks and soft beauty bring him a peace and tranquility. On the other hand, he also see the “deep mountain glen, wild, lonely, and shagged” and “impending cliffs” (33). This imagery represents the untamed parts of nature surrounding him, seen in how he compares Katrina Van Tassel with nature. “She was [...] plump as a partridge; ripe and melting and rosy-cheeked as one of her father’s peaches” (46). He sees the beauty of nature manifested in Katrina’s beauty. So, so in being enamored with Katrina, he glorifies the world around him.

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