The three characteristics of American mythology are: being set in the past, usually in remote or thrilling locations and eras; being populated with extraordinary, bizarre, or exaggerated figures; and featuring extraordinary, heroic, awe-inspiring, magical, or mysterious events and their outcomes.
The first characteristic that will be discussed is the story’s setting in a past time and an exciting or distant location. Specifically, the story takes place in the Kaatskill Mountains. An example of this setting is described in the following passage: “They are a dismembered branch of the great Appalachian family, and are seen away to the west of the river, swelling up to a noble height, and lording it over the surrounding country.” Another aspect of the setting is the little village inn. Instead of the inn being its former self, it is now a large, old, and unstable wooden building with broken windows patched up with hats and petticoats. Above its entrance is a sign that says “the union hotel, by Jonathan Doolittle.” The protagonist looks at a deep mountain glen, contemplating the scene as evening gradually approaches and the mountains start casting long blue shadows on the valleys. He realizes that it will be dark well before he can reach the village.
One of the characteristics I will discuss is the presence of unique and exaggerated characters. Rip encounters a Dutchman on the mountain who is described as a short, stout old man with thick, bushy hair and a grizzled beard. Another noteworthy character is Nicholas Vedder, the village patriarch and innkeeper. He spends his days sitting outside his inn, only moving enough to stay in the shade of a tree. His dog is named Wolf.
“Although he possessed the bravery fitting for an honorable dog, he was no match for the relentless and unyielding fears invoked by a woman’s words.” George the third. “Underneath the cool shade, they used to spend their time on a leisurely summer day, casually discussing local rumors or sharing endless anecdotes of triviality. Derrick van Bummel. “The teacher, a small and knowledgeable man who was unfazed by even the longest word in the dictionary, and how wisely they would discuss current events long after they had occurred.
The third characteristic I will be discussing is the inclusion of incredible, heroic, impressive, magical, or mysterious events and their consequences. Rip falls into a deep sleep and remains unconscious for a span of 20 years. Upon awakening, he discovers the state of his house, which has decayed with the roof collapsed, shattered windows, and doors unhinged. Due to his long slumber, Rip fails to recognize the villagers he encounters. This comes as a surprise to him since he believed he was acquainted with everyone in the area. His home is deserted as he enters it, revealing that Dame Van Winkle, who used to maintain its cleanliness, is no longer there. The house appears empty, desolate, and seemingly abandoned. Rip feels a sense of sadness upon learning that his friends have vanished. The news of these miserable changes in his home and the absence of companionship leaves Rip feeling all alone in the world.
That concludes my examples on Rip Van Winkle. I discussed the three features of American mythology, which are:
Being set in the past, often in remote or exciting places and times,
Being filled with amazing and interesting, strange characters, and
Featuring amazing, heroic, impressive, magical, or mysterious events and their results.
