Rip Van Winkle

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What are the reasons behind the rebellion of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War? What changes may have occurred in American culture after the war?

Teaching Suggestion: Rip Van Winkle awakens after a 20-year sleep to discover that American culture has shifted from tranquil to bustling. These changes are part of the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. Students may find it beneficial to understand the motivations behind the American Revolution to consider the allegorical nature of the short story as Rip’s relationship with his wife represents the relationship between America and Great Britain. Consider discussing the reasons behind the rebellion of the American colonies then explore the links to further investigate the cultural changes made because of the American Revolution. This activity connects to the theme of Freedom.

• This 10-minute video explores the reasons behind the American Revolutionary War.
• This article describes the instability and changes in American culture following the Revolutionary War.

2. What are the elements of American Romanticism? How might Romanticism have had an impact on American culture?