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Setting: Sleepy Hollow, Tarry Town. “A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere. Some say that the place was bewitched by a High German doctor, during the early days of the settlement; others, that an old Indian chief, the prophet or wizard of his tribe, held his powwows there before the country was discovered by Master Hendrick Hudson. Certain it is, the place still continues under the sway of some witching power, that holds a spell over the minds of the good people, causing them to walk in a continual reverie. They are given to all kinds of marvelous beliefs, are subject to trances and visions, and frequently see strange sights, and hear music and voices in the air. The whole neighborhood abounds with local tales, haunted spots, and twilight superstitions; stars shoot and meteors glare oftener across the valley than in any other part of the country, and the nightmare, with her whole ninefold, seems to make it the favorite scene of her gambols.”
Questions Contrast Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones. How are they different physically and characteristically? If you were Katrina, who would you be attracted to and why? Comment on Katrina’s upbringing. How do her parents treat her? Do they treat her conventionally or unconventionally?
Comment on the use of horror and humour in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Why are both used at the same time? Identify the romantic elements in the story. Why are legends important? Why are Irving’s works still widely read today?
Ichabod Crane Tall, lanky and sharp-featured, with clothes too small and ears too big. Serious and strict teacher, but liked well enough by his students and their families. He has no real friends in the community. A glutton and an opportunist. Intelligent because he has "read several books quite through," Interested in tales of witchcraft and magic. Brom Bones • Large, strong, rough, humorous, and good-natured. • Well-known for his skill as a horseman.
Katrina’s upbringing: Beautifully plump and rosy-cheeked – voluptuous. Always dresses to enhance and emphasize her attractiveness. Flattered by the attentions of the young men, and does nothing to encourage or discourage Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones from flirting with her.
Balt van Tassel “loved his daughter better even than his pipe”. He “lets her have her way in everything”. His wife too “…ducks and geese are foolish things, and must be looked after, but girls can take care of themselves.”
Use of horror and humour: For entertainment. To keep the line clear between reality and fiction, but Ichabod can’t tell the difference. Sleepy Hollow is a land of stories and old wives tales – the use of horror and humour has a neutralizing effect. Readers might want to reconsider the validity of the frightening tales despite claims of truth.
Romantic elements Natural – landscape of Sleepy Hollow. Supernatural – dreamy atmosphere, apparitions, ghosts, etc. Imagination – tales, stories, characters, Ichabod Crane’s fantasies, the ending of the story. Creativity.
