Comparing British Rule and Democracy in Rip Van Winkle :: comparison compare contrast essays

Comparing British Rule and Democracy Rip wagon train Winkle In post-revolutionary America, belles-lettres began to show influence of the newly created democracy. As is the case with any juvenility government, many different interest groups arose to attempt to mold the government fit in to their vision of democracy. Washington Irving, a native newborn Yorker born in 1783, grew up in a world engulfed in this democratic fanaticism. He grew up to be, as befitted his childhood atmosphere, a political satirist. This satirical spirit of Irvings shines brightly in Rip Van Winkle, as he uses diachronic allusions and symbolic characters to mockingly compare compound life at a lower place British rule to the democracy of the young United States. The first historical satire occurs attached to the name Peter Stuyvesant, whom is mentioned twice with exaggerated praise. Stuyvesant, a acid and strongly disliked governor, was in power when the English seized New York. Irving uses a false respect for Stuyvesant to humor the Dutch of New York, who accuse him for the loss of the land to the English. Having set the scene as a Dutch-friendly narrator, Irving introduces brothel keeper Van Winkle, Rips stern wife, who maintains contempt for Rips laziness and carefree attitude. Dame Van Winkles harsh control over her hus dance band represents King George and the English rule of the colonies. Whereas the colonies were handle by George, yet felt faithful and attached to the Crown, Rip stood by his demanding wife. The irony lies in Rips indifference to Dame Van Winkle. He was chided and bossed, but he was content. Nicholas Vedder, the owner of the youth hostel, who dominated the conversations and opinions of the junto represents the colonial governors ap topographic pointed by the Crown. While he rarely spoke, his influence was endlessly present. This mirrors the inactive role the governors took in political affairs, and the colonists considerable respect for them. The blood between the governors and Britain is illustrated perfectly by Irving when Dame Van Winkle comes to the inn to collect her husband. Nicholas Vedder himself, scared from the daring tongue of this terrible virago, who charged him straight off with encouraging her husband in habits of idleness.(Irving 901) While a characteristically powerful man, Nicholas is no match for the intimidation of Dame Van Winkle. The turning point of the story occurs when Rip walks deep into the woods and encounters a mysterious band of oddly dressed strangers with foreign customs.