These questions are about the short story Rip Van Winkle Compare the town Rip left with the one he finds on his return. What has changed, and what do these changes say about the effects of the American Revolution? Consider the larger themes of the story. In addition to being exotic and entertaining, what does it suggest about a human being's relationship with his or her culture? Why does Rip find returning to his own town so difficult? Analyze Irving's comment that Rip had "arrived at that happy age when a man can do nothing with impunity" (412). What does he mean?

Find the answers and explanation below.

Explanation:

1. When Rip Van Winkle left the Catskill village to the mountains, it was a colonial village under British control of George III, however, when he returned after his long sleep, the village was now under a republic under the governorship of General George Washington. Some of his friends had also died in the war.

2. These changes indicate that the American Revolution

a. Resulted in the death of some Americans who went to war.

b. Was successful in changing the leadership of America from British control to an independent and republican state. The election was evidence of the democratic nature of the new country.

3. The story shows that human beings are closely linked and intertwined with their culture. A change from the normal culture or separation from it results in confusion, surprise, and bewilderment as that is not what the person is used to.

4. Rip found returning to his own town so difficult because everything had changed. He could no longer find his wife, his dog, old friends, or the inn where he used to go to, to escape from his wife's tantrums.

5.  Irving's comment means that Rip had arrived at old age when he could afford to be lazy without being disturbed by anyone.

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