"Rip Van Winkle"
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
Benjamin Franklin or John Smith.

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).