"Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving (1819)

Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Washington Irving Portrait c 1861--Courtesy: US Library of Congress

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Rip Van Winkle in pop culture!

Questions to ponder while reading/listening to the story:

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1) What is the tone of the narration?  How does the tone affect your mood?

2) How would you describe Rip? What does he enjoy? What does he dislike?

3) What is the first indication that the story is not wholly realistic?

4) What is Irving attempting to compare and contrast in the story? What is the message of this comparison?

5) Why do people drink alcohol? What does it do for/to them? Are there rewards and/or consequences?

6) In society today, do we have ways for productively dealing with the stresses of daily life? What are some things we do to develop meaning? What, in particular, do you do to get away from it all or recharge your batteries?

7) Which elements of the story are romantic? Which elements are realistic?

Rip Van Winkle's Home c. 1902--Courtesy: US Library of Congress