What Makes a Story American Literature? Essay Example

it was larger and more populous. There were rows of houses which he had never seen before, and those which had been his familiar haunts had disappeared. Strange names were over the doors—strange faces at the windows—every thing was strange. His mind now misgave him; he began to doubt whether both he and the world around him were not bewitched. Surely this was his native village, which he had left but the day before.

"(Irving. 26) "The appearance of Rip, with his long grizzled beard, his rusty fowling-piece, his uncouth dress. This quote describes the appearance of Rip Van Winkle after many years of sleeping. "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving demonstrates the existence of true American Literature. One example that supports the claim that "Rip Van Winkle" is American Literature is that the story is set in New York, specifically in the Catskills Mountains near the Hudson River (Irving).

18). Most of the other literary works we have studied in class have been set in Europe. However, Irving chose to depict America's victory over British rule while Rip was asleep. This act of gaining independence represented America's internal conquest and showcased the nation's collective strength. (F. D.)

According to Hunt (ACAS 125 lecture, January 28, 2008), myths were created after the Revolutionary War to both document and conceal the past. The general American population was more inclined to embrace these myths rather than question them. As long as their basic needs were met, they showed little concern for their surroundings (F. D.).

According to Hunt, ACAS 125 lecture on January 28, 2008, Irving argues in "Rip Van Winkle" that things change for a reason. After finding himself

with nothing to do at home and reaching an age where idleness is acceptable, Rip returned to his usual spot at the inn door (Irving, 31). Similar to numerous Americans, Rip acknowledged that the village and its inhabitants had undergone changes, as things inevitably evolve with time.

Irving drew a parallel between Rip and America, stating that both were dormant while under King George's control and Rip's awakening symbolized America gaining independence (F. D. Hunt, ACAS 125 lecture, January 28, 2008). The classification of a story or author as American literature is subjective, depending on individual interpretations of American Literature and the meaning of America. Personally, I hold Irving in high regard as a talented writer.

He caught my attention and I found him amusing. "Oh, she also recently passed away; she ruptured a blood vessel in a fit of anger at a New-England peddler. It demonstrates Irving's comical nature. His humorous demeanor, in my opinion, is what distinguishes him and his stories as American Literature."