Rip Van Winkle
Objectives:
Students will:
 read the short story “Rip Van Winkle.”
 Compare and contrast characterization in the story
 identify and analyze the use of literary terms and devices
o Symbolism
o Satire
o Theme
Cooperative Learning
Humor: Note two or three humorous parts of “Rip Van Winkle” and try to identify the source of Irving’s
humor. Find an example of satire.
Setting: Describe the setting of “Rip Van Winkle.” How does this setting complement one or two themes
of the story?
Characterization: What kind of person is Rip Van Winkle? What values does he represent? In what ways
might Irving’s depiction of Rip and his story itself suggest something larger?
Reading Questions:

Where is this story set? What does this setting contribute to the story's meaning or effect? Consider
both the natural setting and the town. For instance, comment on the men's practice of discussing old
newspapers.

Citing details from the story, characterize Rip Van Winkle. Contrast Rip with a figure from the Colonial
or Age of Reason eras.

Compare the town Rip left with the one he finds on his return. What has changed, and what do these
changes say about the effects of the American Revolution?

Consider the larger themes of the story. In addition to being exotic and entertaining, what does it
suggest about a human being's relationship with his or her culture? Why does Rip find returning to his
own town so difficult?

Analyze Irving's comment that Rip had "arrived at that happy age when a man can do nothing with
impunity" (412). What does he mean?