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Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe explains the themes in Washington Irving's short story Rip Van Winkle.
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Washington Irving's American fairy tale Rip Van Winkle tells the story of an indolent Dutchman who attempts to escape his responsibilities at home. He wanders into the mountains of the Hudson River Valley of New York.
Led to a magical game of ninepins by a mysterious traveler, Rip imbibes enchanted liquor and wakes the next morning to find that years have passed. Returning home, his village has changed and is filled with British settlers in the midst of deciding who to vote for in an upcoming election.
Confused and sad to realize that his friends are most likely dead, Rip Van Winkle finds his now old son and daughter in the crowd. The town’s oldest villager reveals that strange disappearances like this have occurred before and all are relieved.
Rip remains and lives with his daughter's family. He resumes his indolent habits and makes friends with some of the townsfolk. He again sits on a bench in town and hears about America's War of Independence and other amazing things that happened while he was "away." He gossips and tells the tale of his adventure and time travel to anyone who will take the time to listen.
The story recalls a mythological tradition in which a traveler is induced to abandon his human life by fairies or other supernatural creatures. Irving puts a uniquely American twist on that trope by turning the story into a parable about the consequences of laziness, emphasizing that time leaves idlers like Van Winkle in the dust.
American writer Washington Irving’s short story Rip Van Winkle was published in 1819. Irving's story was published as part of a best-selling collection of sketches and stories. A prolific writer of satire, fiction, and history, Irving had a keen eye for detail and character, and his flair for humor made the story an instant hit.
The short story contains many powerful symbols, including the inn and hotel symbolizing how prewar tranquility is taken over by postwar industry; political activism; and the Catskill Mountains, representing the mystery and supernatural change in Rip’s life.
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