American Literature
THE DEVIL AND TOM WALKER and RIP VAN WINKLE—Washington Irving
Please answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper and
in complete sentences.
1. Based on what you know about Romantic authors, do any of these stories fit the
description? Why or why not?
2. What does “The Devil and Tom Walker” say about people’s values? Do you
think this idea is still prevalent today?
3. Despite rather dark and/or twisted plots, Washington Irving tried to add humor to
his stories. Explain how he did this. What comedic elements did he add?
4. What do you think was the purpose of “Rip Van Winkle”? Why do you think
this?
5. Many people who have read stories from this chapter of American fiction find this
era of literature to be difficult to “get into.” Do you agree with this or not? What
makes this literature difficult to absorb? Give examples.