Anaylysis of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
During the 1800's Washington Irving was critical in American Literature's separation from Britain. He wrote the "Sketch Book" which included stories such as "Rip Van Winkle" and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". It was the first book by an American writer to become popular outside of the United States and helped establish American writing as a respectable form of literature. In "The legend of Sleepy Hollow" Irving's clever use of imagery and descriptive writing disguise his intent, leaving the reader to decipher the meaning of his words. His use of imagery and descriptive writing when he speaks of the town of Sleepy Hollow itself and when he speaks of food are seen repeatedly throughout "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". The story begins with the poem "Castle of Indolence" Irving emphasizes a figurative meaning in this line of the poem "gay castles in the clouds". The l
There is a kind of magic that resides in Sleepy Hollow and Ichabod describes it as "enchanted". Irving also uses gentle water imagery in his description of the town. Katrina Van Tassel is described as " a blooming lass of fresh eighteen; plump as a partridge; ripe and melting and rosy-cheeked as one of her fathers peaches". Sleepy Hollow is seen as a place of fantasy like proportions, peaceful and serene away from the stresses of "normal" life. The line " Dutch housewives are known for their spinning of ghost tales as much as they are known for their baked goods" communicates the message that the women of Sleepy Hollow have a large appetite for both food and ghost stories. Food imagery is also prevalent through "The legend of Sleepy Hollow". He was the first American author to produce a popular book in the United States with his collection of stories in "The Sketch Book". Food is used as a symbol for the immense appetite of Ichabod who seems to see it in almost anything. His use of calming water scenes to describe the citizens of the town seems to indicate a certain affection for them. These images add detail to the story but food also seems to symbolize other things. "A drowsy dreamy influence seems to pervade over the very atmosphere" gives the reader an even larger notion of just how slow paced and laid back the town is. Washington Irving's use of descriptive writing and imagery in relation to the town of Sleepy Hollow and food are seen frequently throughout "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". When he says "If ever I should wish for a retreat whither I might steal from the world and its distractions and dream quietly away from the remnant of troubled life, I know of none more promising than this little valley". Referring to more than just her beauty, this image also shows us that Ichabod not only wants Katrina, but the food dowry he will receive if he marries her.
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