"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is representative of the time in which Washington Irving lived, as well as of the literary tradition of the time. It analyzes the culture, the history, and the philosophy expressed in the short story's literary style of romanticism.

Outline:
Introduction
Culture
History
Philosophy
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The philosophy of Romanticism is apparent throughout "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Romantic philosophy was based on the ideals of Transcendentalism, which was "based on a fundamental belief in the unity of the world and God. The soul of each individual was thought to be identical with the world--a microcosm of the world itself" (USINFO, par. 6). Each of the major characters has a unique connection with the world. Balt van Tassel, for example, represents the world's bounty, while his daughter is a virginal, potentially fruitful earth mother. Crane himself is easily equated with a bird: not only does he migrate from roost to roost, but his frame and his singing voice complete the image that begins with his name. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bryant, J. E. "Washington Irving: 1783-1859." American Literature: Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, William Cullen Bryant, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Sean Eaton, ed. pp. 5-48.
• Copestake, I. D. (2003). "American Romanticism: Approaches and Interpretations." Encyclopedia of the Romantic Era, Vol. 1, Christopher John Murray, Ed. New York: Routledge. http://www.routledge-ny.com/ref/romanticera/american.pdf
• Irving, W. (2006). The Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Other Tales. Ann Arbor, MI: J. W. Edwards, Inc.

More papers on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow":

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• Book Review # 132703 : "Case Study of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
• Analytical Essay # 35071 : "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
• Analytical Essay # 29059 : "Folktale and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

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