The Legend of Sleepy Hollow By Washington Irving

Washington Irving- 1783 -1859 American short story writer, biographer, essayist, historian, and diplomat Best known for his stories, “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” One of the first American writers to be famous in Europe The first American writer to earn a living as a writer First to use the name “Gotham” to refer to New York City Is credited with creating the term “the almighty dollar”

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow First published in 1820 Still popular, especially at Halloween Irving got the idea from European folk tales Takes place near Tarry Town, New York, which still exists today along with many references from the story, such as the graveyard and other landmarks Many places are still said to be haunted by many ghosts

Setting Tarry Town, NY and the surrounding glen called, Sleepy Hollow Set after the Revolutionary War - 1790 In the autumn near Halloween Several “haunted” places are mentioned in the story

Symbolism Ichabod Crane’s name is symbolic of the Biblical Ichabod, who was born after God had allowed Israel’s enemies to conquer them. His mother, father, and grandfather all died, leaving him an outcast of society. Ichabod in the story is an outsider and an outcast. His last name, Crane, is also symbolic because he is tall and lanky like the bird. Abraham “Brom Bones” Van Brunt’s name is also symbolic of Abraham in the Bible who was a leader of his people.

Symbolism Sleepy Hollow is a place that time forgot. It has not changed as other places near it, implying that the place is asleep. The name also implies a peaceful area; however, this place is anything but peaceful.

Conflict Ichabod Crane wants to marry Katrina, or rather father’s money, but Brom also wants to marry her. This causes Brom to play many tricks on the superstitious Ichabod. Brom is also gifted at telling stories and ends up scaring Ichabod to get him away from Katrina.

The Headless Horseman The character of the Headless Horseman is based on Northern European legends from Ireland Germany in combination with a German immigrant who fought in the Revolutionary War. This soldier has his take blown off by a cannonball. The legend says that he hunts for his head on Halloween night, and if he finds a person out and about, he will take their head as a replacement.

Mystery No one know what happened to Ichabod Crane in the end. The author intentionally leaves the reader guessing about his fate. Possibility 1: Ichabod was really a victim of the Headless Horseman. Possibility 2: Ichabod was scared away by his overactive imagination. Possibility 3: Brom Bones dressed up as the Headless Horseman and scared Ichabod away.

Theme The love of money is the root of all evil. Ichabod’s desire for Katrina’s father’s money ultimately leads to his undoing. Cunning and cleverness- Brom is very cunning. He knows when to tell his stories to scare Ichabod. It is also implied that it was Brom that appeared as the Headless Horseman to finally get rid of Ichabod once and for all.

Questions 1. What mood does the setting of the story create? 2. What is the relation between theme and the characters in the story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"? 3. Why does the author give a description of the Headless Horseman before he describes the main character? 4. Why does Ichabod rotate his stay from family to family? What does this say about him and the families he stays with? 5. How does Ichabod’s vivid imagination lead to his downfall?

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