reading 7 Flashcards
Washington Irving – “Rip Van Winkle”
1. What kind of character is Rip Van Winkle?
Rip Van Winkle is a kind but lazy man who avoids responsibility, especially at home, where he neglects his farm and family. Though popular with his neighbors, he often escapes his troubles rather than facing them. His laid-back, carefree nature makes him a passive character who prefers ease over effort. This tendency leads to his long, magical sleep and eventual detachment from the world.
- How is this story a transition from the prior era to the current one?
The story symbolizes the shift from colonial America to post-Revolutionary America. Rip falls asleep under British rule and wakes up to a democratic society after the American Revolution. His confusion upon waking highlights the disorientation that comes with rapid societal changes. The transformed village reflects the new American identity, leaving Rip out of touch with the new era.
- Why does the story end ideally? Why does it have a “happy ending”?
The story ends happily because Rip no longer faces the pressures of his previous life, such as his nagging wife and farm work. With his wife gone, Rip lives peacefully as a storyteller, beloved by the new generation. He enjoys personal freedom, mirroring the national freedom gained by America after the Revolution. This carefree, unburdened life represents an ideal form of contentment for Rip.
William Cullen Bryant – “Thanatopsis” and “To a Waterfowl”
“Thanatopsis”: What fears does the narrator address in the poem?
The narrator addresses the fear of death, the fear of being forgotten, and the fear of facing death alone. He reassures readers that death is a natural part of life, reminding them that all people, regardless of status or wealth, will eventually return to the earth. The fear of being forgotten is softened by the idea that death unites us with a vast community of past generations. The narrator encourages readers to live fully, knowing that death is not an isolated experience but part of the universal human condition.
“To a Waterfowl”: How does the narrator praise the waterfowl?
In “To a Waterfowl,” the narrator praises the waterfowl for its loyalty and trust in its journey, which appears solitary but is guided by an unseen force. He marvels at its perseverance as it flies toward a distant destination, using the bird as a symbol of faith and purpose. The waterfowl’s journey serves as a metaphor for life, suggesting that, like the bird, humans are also guided by a higher power through uncertainty. The narrator admires the bird’s ability to follow its path without fear, offering hope and inspiration to those seeking direction in their own lives.
