American Identity- Rip Van Winkle

The American Identity Rip Van Winkle, by Washington Irving, is symbolic of the European sentiment towards the new society in America and establishes an identity before and after the American Revolution. Rip Van Winkle's character depicts the society of America as seen by England, whereas the England portrayed by his wife, Dame Van Winkle. The townspeople represent American society at large and how it changed with the realization of becoming an independent country. Rip Van …

…his 20 year nap, the townspeople were filled with a new found energy looking forward to the next elections. They asked questions of political nature as opposed to before when all conversation was idle gossip. Irving's "Rip Van Winkle" demonstrates the change in America's ideals due to the transition experienced through the American Revolution. This story gives us insight into the internal personalities of the American colonists and how the passage of time changes a society.