Name ___________________________
“Rip Van Winkle” Discussion Questions
1.
Discuss the use of the words “noble,” “lording,” “crown of glory,”
“magical,” and “fairy” in the description of the setting. How do the descriptive words in the introductory paragraphs prepare readers for the story? Hint: Think about your own expectations of what you thought this story would be about after reading the first few paragraphs.
2.
Describe Irving’s view of marriage. Support your interpretation with lines from the story. Is Irving’s interpretation overly pessimistic or realistic? Explain your answer.
3.
“Rip Van Winkle” is considered an allegory because its characters are symbolic. For example, at the beginning of the story, Rip Van Winkle represents the complacent American at the time of the Revolution because he acquiesces to his wife. Who/What does Dame Van Winkle represent? How do the changes in Rip after his lengthy slumber relate to the changes in America after the war? Support your answers with textual evidence.
4.
Common attitudes and tendencies of American Romantic Literature include:
1. A distrust of civilization;
2. Concern for individual freedom;
3. Love for the beauty of the natural landscape;
4. Interest in the supernatural.
Find lines from the story to support each attitude or tendency.
5.
Romantic heroes generally are:
1. Childlike;
2. Innocent;
3. Distrustful of women;
4. Fond of nature;
5. In search of a higher truth.
Find lines from the story to describe each character trait.

6.
Did you notice that the only female in the story who is referred to by her first name is Rip’s daughter, Judith? Why is Judith given a first name but not Dame Van Winkle? What do you think is the significance of
“punishing” Dame Van Winkle by not giving her a name?
7.
Overall, what did you think of this story? Did you like it? Did you hate it? Did you just feel “meh” about it? Explain and/or give reasons for your opinion. Keep in mind that the purpose of reading this story is not necessarily to entertain you, but to provide you with an example of a
Romantic text as well as insight into the attitudes/values of Americans during the time of the American Revolution.