Satire in Rip Van Winkle
William Harmon and C. Hugh Holman write that satire is, "A work or manner that belends a censorious attitude with humor and wit for improving human institutions or humanity. Satirists attempt through laughter not so much to tear down as to inspire a remodeling."
How is "Rip Van Winkle" a satire? What is Washington Irving satirizing? How do you know?
How is "Rip Van Winkle" a satire? What is Washington Irving satirizing? How do you know?
posted by Jared at 10/23/2006 03:21:00 PM
2 Comments:
Rip Van Winkle is a satire in that Rip is not happy or relieved until the death of his wife. He manages just that by happening to fall asleep for twenty years. It is ironic because his innocence of the matter frees him from the matrimony which he dreaded. So therefore, Washington Irving was satirizing not only marriage, but women, men, and work. First of all, a scolding wife influenced Rip to sleep around the village. Also, the outside of the house is "the only side in truth which belongs to a henpecked husband." Women are made fun of for being nothing but scolders. Lastly, Rip "would rather starve on a penny than work for a pound." Yet, he generously worked for other families all the time.
Continuing on what Leslie stated, Rip Van Winkle fits the realm of a satire in a sense of the crude humor between Rip and his Wife. When he stumbles back upon his very home, the first thing that he expects is, “to hear the shrill voice of Dame Van Winkle.” Which is amusing in a sense that Washington Irving is depicting a common relationship between a husband and his wife. Rip doesn’t even expect to have his wife feel worrisome over his absence, yet instead he is preparing for her criticizing him on taking a break or leaving the house.
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