Washington Irving's The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow

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Pages: 2

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving is a positive experience to read because the characters, setting, and plot are all written in a manner that can easily be enjoyed and appreciated. First, the characters in the story are well-developed and interesting. For example, it describes Ichabod Crane (the protagonist) as, “tall, but exceedingly lank, with narrow shoulders, long arms and legs, hands that dangle a mile out of his sleeves, feet that might have served as shovels, and his whole frame most loosely hung together” (pg. 818). It also states, “...he was a conscientious man, and ever bore in mind the golden maxim, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.’—Ichabod Crane’s scholars were not spoiled...he was...boarded and lodged at the houses of the farmers whose children he instructed” (pg. 818). Next, the setting of the book ties in nicely to the overall story and conflict by including a suspicious and eerie place. To support this, the text states that Sleepy …show more content…
The text also describes Sleepy Hollow as, “A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land. The whole neighborhood abounds with local tales, haunted spots, and twilight superstitions” (pg. 817). Finally, the story’s plot is captivating and leaves the reader thinking. For example, regarding Brom Bones’ relationship with Crane, the text states, “Such was the formidable rival with whom Ichabod Crane had to contend, and considering all things, a stouter man than he would have shrunk from the competition, and a wiser man would have despaired. He had, however, a happy mixture of pliability and perseverance in his nature” (pg. 821). Also, the end of the story states, “The brook was searched, but the body of the schoolmaster was not to be discovered. The mysterious event caused much speculation at the church on the following Sunday” (pg. 827). In conclusion, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a positive experience to read because of the positive aspects of the story’s characters,