The American Revolution changed everything in American society. The American Revolution is a major historical event which has helped shape our country and produced many important works of American literature. Rip VanWinkle is a great piece of literature that shows the rise of America from British rule. Washington Irving wrote Rip van Winkle to help Americans cope with the time period and create their own identity. It was good for America to have a complete separation from England but it could also be viewed as a difficult adjustment, similar to a marriage or family breakup. Irving makes his main character play that part in the story to make it more understandable for American readers. RVW begins with a paragraph that establishes this theme: “The national “British”, or Appalachian, family split up. This was when the country still belonged to Great Britain. Irving also uses this metaphor in The Sketch Book to represent families. Irving’s story on the change of rule from British to American alludes in an indirect way to the popular family metaphors used before, throughout, and after Revolution. England, for example, was referred to as the “mother”, and the American colonists, her children. Rip is the henpecked, demanding husband who is separated from his wife and family. Irving may have been trying to ease the pain of a family separation.
Irving uses metaphors to describe America’s history before, during, and after the American Revolution. Rip Van Winkle tells the story of a man living in a close-knit Hudson Valley community. Van Winkle’s community loves him because he is always there to help when needed. Dame Van Winkle cannot stand Van Winkle. “Morning and evening, her mouth was never still, and anything he said or done was bound to cause a flood of household eloquence”. The wife of the man who is always complaining about her husband’s lack of help in their home may have a valid reason for doing so. It could be that her constant nagging is the reason why he decides not to see her. This means she might become her husband’s enemy. Irving uses Dame Van Winkle for England to show how it is always telling America what to think and do. America is represented by Rip, and we can see why Rip wanted to run from England.
Rip van Winkle does exactly what he wants. The only way for him to escape from his wife’s farm and to finally be content is to move away and go squirrel-hunting with his dog. Rip VanWinkle’s decision of taking up his gun and leaving the farm is similar to America’s decision of taking up their guns and leaving the motherland. Winkle might be accused of being cowardly for trying to escape, while others would say that he needs to face his issues head-on. However, Wang argues that Wolf is a better metaphorical substitute that helps explain this artistic work. Rip is ridiculed by the society for his foolishness and inability to achieve his freedom. However, after escaping the village and retreating into the woods, he has gained “the martial spirit of his ancestors” and is now a brave hunter. Winkle transforms from a constantly nagative husband into a brave hunter with a gun. Winkle spends the entire day hunting for squirrels, but doesn’t succeed. The sun is about to set, and he realizes he needs to get back home. On his way home, he is called by a dwarf. Winkle helps the dwarf to move a keg. He then drinks a few drinks with him. Winkle is a little drunk because he keeps falling asleep.
Winkle does not realize that his world has changed dramatically since he woke up. When he gets to town, he finds the King George III image has been replaced by one of George Washington. Irving wanted his audience to see that even the people living in their community were different. The American people became very excited about the new government separate from England after the Revolution. During Winkle’s twenty-year sleep, the American public found its own identity without England. They were empowered.
Winkle’s life has changed dramatically and he doesn’t understand what he may be. Winkle finds out that his wife is dead only after he is told by his daughter. Irving’s metaphors in his book reflect the society of the colonial era and beyond. At this time, it was important for Americans to separate themselves from the British. Rip Van Winkle is able to experience the same feeling when he hears of Dame Van Winkle’s death. America would not have flourished or become the innovation-driven country that it has today.
Rip VanWinkle is fascinating because even though the story is simple, and it’s a funny one, it tells a history lesson that was very important for America. This short piece of writing almost recorded the awakening American Spirit.
