Title: Washington Irving: Biography, Works, and Style - Literature Class [2021 Video] | Study.com
Headings: Washington Irving: Biography, Works, and Style
Washington Irving: Biography, Works, and Style
Lesson Transcript
Biography
His Works
His Style
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Content: Through the use of irony, which is sort of saying the opposite of what you really mean; he is able to poke fun at his characters and their situations. In 'Rip Van Winkle,' he describes Dame Van Winkle, saying 'a termagant wife may, therefore, in some respects, be considered a tolerable blessing; and if so, Rip Van Winkle was thrice blessed.' So using his lofty language, he's literally saying that if an abusive wife is good for a person, then Rip was a lucky man. But of course, no one wants that. What he's really saying is that poor Rip was stuck with this mean, old lady for a wife. Through the use of irony and sarcasm, he's able to say the opposite of what he's wanting the reader to know. Lesson Summary
So to wrap it up, Washington Irving is known as the father of American literature. Even though he was influenced by European writers - and especially German folklore and legends - he created a uniquely American voice, one that was both lofty and mocking.