Character And Theme In Rip Van Winkle

In Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle," Rip's character is closely correlated with the theme of nature and its prominence over the ever-changing world. The story is set in the Kaatskill Mountains, an important setting with a luminance that does not falter throughout. Similarly, Rip is immediately described as a respectable and well liked man in his mountainous setting. Right off the bat, the two can be easily associated. The magical elements in the story cause Rip to fall asleep for twenty years, and upon waking, he is in a world completely changed by the progression of time. However, despite the extreme alterations, only Rip and the nature that he is so familiar with are able to prevail, remaining ultimately unaffected by the new world.

The setting constitutes for a key element and important role in the story, as it is carefully aligned with the main character. It is noteworthy to know that the Kaatskill Mountains are part of the Appalachian chain, which run through a series of states in the in the mid eastern section of the United States. Yet, the Kaatskills are not an immediate link to the rest of the chain. Instead they stand apart, ostracized by the natural terrain of the land, instantaneously suggesting that they encompass a greater status than anything else within their surroundings. Their reverence continues, as Irving describes these mountains as being noble and lording; having "magical hues and shapes, [and are] regarded by all the good wives, far and near, as perfect barometers," (Irving 702). The language used in these opening paragraphs emphasizes the setting with an easily recognizable connotation, which compares the mountains to a god of sorts, ruling over the land. This attention that Irving ...

... middle of paper ...

...d such an old man, but instead Rip was viewed as a Patriarch and a chronicle of the 'old times' before the war. Just like the forever unwavering nature that envelops the village, the story leaves with the implication of Rip's character immortalized in the minds of the citizens for many years to come.

Both Rip Van Winkle and the nature that will always surround him are the only two things that had the ability to prevail through insurmountable changes over this span of twenty years. They are mutually described with distinguished reverence upon the onset of the story, and continue this ideal throughout, thus making Rip more than the average protagonist. The story concludes with a tone of contentment in that the village people are happy to have Rip back, and more importantly Rip feels at home once again, amid the people and setting that are meant just for him.