Comparing Rip Van Winkle And Subconscious Musings

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Chrystal Coon
English

Rip Van Winkle and Subconscious Musings The story “Rip Van Winkle” is about a character named Rip Van Winkle, a man who wanted nothing more out of life then to be able to do as he pleased and drink without responsibilities. One day he takes a trip into the Katskill mountains, which causes him to miss twenty years of his life. Rip wakes up after his sleep in the mountains and realizes that everything is different. He is faced with the life changing realization that he can no longer live he carefree life and must take some form of responsibility because the new villagers are hostile towards him due to his nature. In the end, Rip’s son stops the villagers from doing anything to Rip and this allows him to continue to live his carefree and chosen lifestyle.
In Robert …show more content…

The effects Rip's adventures had on writing can still be felt today, especially in the defined satire expressed throughout. I agree that the generational divide can be seen through Rip Van Winkle because of the way Rip chooses to behave, versus how the people twenty years later behave. The story also seems to speak to me personally, I believe I can identify with Rip and his personality, and also his choices made in the storyline. For example, when he went into the mountains, he didn’t refuse the drink, I wouldn’t have either.
In conclusion, Ferguson’s article is explaining how Washington Irving’s story “Rip Van Winkle” has multiple meanings that many readers can draw conclusions from. His article also demonstrates the generational aspect to the story and how everyone that reads it can enjoy and find their imaginations in it. The mentions of the general population and their thought process of the time can also be interpreted in many ways from their addictions to dismay and ignorance of their

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