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Washington Erving, A True Romantic

Washington Irving definitely shows characteristics of Romanticism in his writing. He does not draw ideal characters, he shows people how they really are, including all of their flaws. Through his writing he is able to express his love for nature by where his stories take place. Washington Irving also shows great imagination in his writing, with a bit of surprise and mystery.
In both stories, Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving paints the perfect picture of his characters. In Rip Van Winkle, Rip is described as a “simple good natured man, a kind neighbor, and an obedient hen-pecked husband.”(pg.275) Rip is also described as being a “favorite amongst the wives of the village.”(pg.275) Rip was probably too good of a neighbor. He always made himself available to his neighbors by helping husk their Indian corn, building stone-fences, and the women of the village would employ him to run their errands. Rip would also do little old jobs that ...

Posted by: Helene Hannah

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