Literary Devices
What literary device is used in the following quote and what is its significance?
"When the weather is fair and settled, they are clothed in blue and purple, and print their bold outlines on the clear evening sky; but, sometimes, when the rest of the landscape is cloudless, they will gather a hood of gray vapors about their summits"
This text uses imagery to describe the grandeur of the Kaatskill mountains.
Which theme is represented in the following quote, and why is it significant?
"As he approached the village he met a number of people, but none whom he knew, which somewhat surprised him, for he had thought himself acquainted with every one in the country round."
This text uses the theme of change to display the passage of time after Rip's 20 year slumber.
What kind of language is used to describe the Catskill mountains at the beginning of the story?
Descriptive language
What is an example of tone used throughout the story and how is it significant to the story?
An example of tone is a humorous and playful tone used to characterize Rip and mock traditional heroes by presenting a lazy hero like Rip.
Which theme is represented in the following text?
"He assisted at their sports, made their playthings, taught them to fly kites and shoot marbles, and told them long stories of ghosts, witches, and Indians."
The text uses the theme of youth to display Rip's likeliness toward childhood activities.
What aspect of romanticism did the people in the mountains represent?
Supernatural
How does Rip Van Winkle use a frame story, and what is its significance in shaping the reader's understanding of the story?
The frame story is used through the fictional narrator of Diedrich Knickerbocker, which is significant because it shows the reader its "origin" and how reliable it is.
How does the theme of freedom and change affect Rip's decision to leave the village, and why is it significant?
The themes of freedom and change encourage Rip to find peace away from his responsibilities and burdens, highlighting his desire to live a simple life.
How does the changing world around Rip Van Winkle effect him?
It doesn't effect him, he continues to do the same things as before. Such as fishing and hunting.
What literary device is used in the following passage to describe Rip Van Winkle's life and what is its significance?
"Rip Van Winkle, however, was one of those happy mortals, of foolish, well-oiled dispositions, who take the world easy, eat white bread or brown, whichever can be got with least thought or trouble, and would rather starve on a penny than work for a pound."
This text uses a hyperbole to exaggerate Rip's laziness and lack of will to work.
How is the theme of freedom displayed differently in Rip's past and present?
In the past, Rip was berated with Dame Van Winkle's complaints and criticism, while he now is free from her due to her death.
How does Rip Van Winkles personality influence his relationships with others in the story?
He is well-liked by the children in town and spends a lot of his time engaging with them