The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
How does this work reflect the characteristics of the literary period in which the story was created
In this story the atmosphere of horror is created through plot, characters, and chilling settings. The plot focuses on mysterious events (for example, the appearance of the Headless Horseman). The characters are frightened by the monster. Settings are dark with strange sounds.
Plot summary
The story is set in 1790 in the countryside around the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town in a secluded glen known as Sleepy Hollow. It is renowned for its ghosts and the haunting atmosphere. Residents are seemingly subjected to various supernatural and mysterious occurrences. The most famous specter in the Hollow is the Headless Horseman. The story shows us the tale of Ichabod Crane, a lean, lanky and extremely superstitious schoolmaster from Connecticut. Throughout the story Ichabod Crane competes with Abraham " Brom Bones" Van Brunt, the town rowdy and local hero, for the hand of 18-years-old Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter and sole child of wealthy farmer Baltus Van Tassel. One night Crane attends a harvest party at the Van Tassels' homestead. His main aim is to propose to Katrina after the guests leave. But having failed to get her hand, he rides home on his horse and suddenly he encounters a cloaked rider without a head. He tries to cross the bridge, but the monster hurls his severed head at him. The missile strikes his head and sends him tumbling. The next morning, Ichabod disappears, leaving Katrina to later marry Brom Bones. And although the riddle of the Headless man is not revealed, it is implied that he was Brom in disguise.
Main characters
Ichabod Crane- former professor of history
Brom Bones- a strong young man
Katrina Van Tassel- the only daughter of Baltus Van Tassel
My opinion
I fell in love with this book, because I am really interested in horrors and dark plots. The whole atmosphere is frightening, but enticing, because the reader wants to know what the Headless Horseman is: a monster or a person pretending to be a monster.
biography of the author
Washington Irving
Washington Irving (April 3, 1783- November 28, 1859) was an American short- story writer, essayist, biographer, historian and diplomat of the early 19th century. Born and raised in Manhattan to a merchant family, Irving made his literary debut in 1802. He temporarily moved to England for the family business in 1815. He is best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle"(1819) and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"(1820). His historical works include biographies of many famous people. Irving died of a heart attack in his bedroom at Sunnyside.