Class Update: 4/23/08

We discussed Irving's "Rip Van Winkle" in class, officially starting another journey through our BFFs, the PACKETS! Both Paige and Allison agreed that the tale showed a remarkable degree of irrationality and fantasy, and decided that it was a rejection of reason. From the first to the very last line of "RVW" there is an unending supply of imagery, one of the telltale markers of the Romantic period. Irving was an early Romantic, and like many other early Romantics, he sought to define the "American tradition" through writing. Ashley stated that Van Winkle was the "All-American man" for his unselfish ways and gregarious nature. Even so, Mr. Lazarow questioned this analysis, saying that Van Winkle would most likely have supported the Tories in his desire to maintain the status quo; he followed authority unfailingly and without question. Cristy added that Irving may have been trying to show that he had "no backbone" (for example, his interaction with his wife), but Ashley said that he was simply a product of his time period and could not be blamed for his ways. When he wakes up and returns to town, for example, he staunchly supports the King because he does not know what has happened. His ignorance is understandable.

Van Winkle was a person who allowed life to just pass him by, as is exaggerated by his "20-year nap." There was much discussion and philosophizing outside the inn, but little action (a very stationary lifestyle). Ben suggested that this section of the story was Irving's criticism of the Enlightenment, when there was supposedly "too much thinking" without anything actually being done. The Romantics, on the other hand, advocated instinct over reason; for example, Irving portrays Van Winkle at his best when he is in nature. Jasmine questioned whether Van Winkle's lifestyle was the result of many generations of such living- in other words, it was more hereditary than anything else. Mr. Lazarow included that this went back to the "nature vs. nurture" argument, and that some people were just not inclined towards work. However, readers of "RVW" are still inclined to like Van Winkle and to condemn his "matriarchal" wife because of the rhetorical mode of the short story.

Mr. Lazarow wrapped up class today by saying that the story remains its freshness because there are still people like Van Winkle today- especially in politics, which is another message Irving was trying to convey.

REMINDERS: Outlines are due NEXT Wednesday. Also, be prepared to discuss Bryant in class tomorrow.