Rip Van Winkle by Irving

Ref: Washington Irving (1905). Rip Van Winkle. Doubleday. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/60976/60976-h/60976-h.htm 

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Summary

  • The story of Rip Van Winkle, the patriarch of an impoverished family living in an 18c Dutch colonial style village at the base of the Kaatsberg (‘Catskill’) Mountains near the Hudson River. Following his normal routine of avoiding his quarrelsome wife, Rip wanders into the Kaatsberg to shoot squirrels when he sees a small human-like creature rolling a flagon up the hill. Rip helps and stumbles across a small village of creatures. He drinks and wakens the next morning to find that almost 20 years have passed. The land that belonged to King George III now belongs to the fledgling United States of America. He moves in with his daughter and, for the rest of his life, relays his strange story to travelers while finding happiness that his virago wife is gone.

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Misc Quotes

  • “Those men are apt to be obsequious and conciliating abroad, who are under the discipline of shrews at home.”

  • “He would rather starve on a penny than work for a pound.”

  • “What courage can withstand the evil-doing and all-besetting terrors of a woman’s tongue.”

  • “Rip, in fact, was no politician; the changes of states and empires made but little impression on him; but there was one species of despotism under which he had long groaned, and that was—petticoat government.”

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Terminology

  • Adherents: Someone who supports a particular party, person, or set of ideas.

  • Bilious: Spiteful; bad-tempered.

  • Connubial: Relating to marriage of the relationship of a married couple.

  • Evince: Reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling)

  • Flagon: A large container in which drink is served, typically with a handle and spout.

  • Galligaskins: Very loose trousers.

  • Gambol: Run or jump about playfully.

  • Petticoat Government: A situation where women dominate a sphere of influence, such as politics or domestic affairs.

  • Quaff: To drink a beverage heartily, copiously, and with great enjoyment.

  • Termagant: A harsh tempered or overbearing woman.

  • Torpor: A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.

  • Urchins: A mischievous young child, especially one who is poorly or raggedly dressed.

  • Virago: A domineering, violent, or bad-tempered woman.

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