Title: Character Analysis in Rip Van Winkle - Owl Eyes
Headings: Character Analysis
in
Rip Van Winkle

Character Analysis in Rip Van Winkle
Character Analysis Examples in Rip Van Winkle:
Rip Van Winkle

Content: Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff
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"what excuse shall I make to Dame Van Winkle?..." See in text (Rip Van Winkle)
It is notable that Rip’s first thought upon awakening is an expression of fear of his wife. This can be understood to be a fear of leaving the freedom of the forest for the demands of village commercialism. Rip has essentially woken up after a great party and is dreading his return to work. Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff
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"There was a drop of comfort, at least, in this intelligence...." See in text (Rip Van Winkle)
The villagers are celebrating the freedom to elect their leaders, and Rip is discovering a freedom of a different sort. He is able to become a full member of the community again after sharing this experience with them, but the cynical implications of its cause—his wife’s death—show Irving to be somewhat dubious about the degree to which liberty reflects well on its beneficiaries. Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff
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"what courage can withstand the evil-doing and all-besetting terrors of a woman’s tongue?..." See in text (Rip Van Winkle)
It is hard to resolve Irving’s feelings about women in “Rip Van Winkle.” Diedrich Knickerbocker respected them as a rich source of historical information, but he is an unreliable source. The wives of the village are positively disposed toward Rip, except for his own, and she is either a shrewish caricature or has been misrepresented in her silence.