Title: Rip Van Winkle Summary - eNotes.com
Headings: Rip Van Winkle Summary
Rip Van Winkle Summary
Summary
Introduction
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Content: For example, the setting is under the Catskill Mountains and on the Hudson River—both real and prominent places in New York state. Additionally, the inclusion of Henry Hudson, who was a Dutch explorer in the late 1500s, brings an element of truth and realism to “Rip Van Winkle.” Download Rip Van Winkle Study Guide
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Plot Summary
“Rip Van Winkle” focuses on the idle and simple character of Rip Van Winkle. Most of the villagers love him, but he is constantly nagged by his termagant wife, Dame Van Winkle. Rip is good at helping others, but he is inept at helping himself or his family. He leaves Dame Van Winkle to run the house, care for the children, and work the farm. Yet, Rip Van Winkle is not a lazy man. He is good at hunting and fishing and is willing to do things for others. When it comes to his own land, however, he seems to have bad luck. He can’t make anything grow and, out of frustration, often spends time away from his nagging wife and failing farm.