Rip Van Winkle

What is the point of Rip Van Winkle?

Introduction

Rip Van Winkle, is a short story written by Washington Irving. This story is perceived by many as an emblematic of the sentiments of the Europeans towards the prevailing American and tends to establish an identity for the Americans both before and after the American Revolution. In Irving's story the character of Rip Van Winkle tends to depict the picture of the American society as seen by the people of England, whereas the views of England is depicted through the character of Rip Van Winkle's wife, Dame Van Winkle. Additionally the people of town tend to represent ...