2. Objectives: Understand how the setting, the characters, and the structure illustrate the major themes Discuss why Irving’s story is considered the 1 st American story “Why is this Legend still so popular today?” THE LEGEND of SLEEPY HALLOW BY: WASHINGTON IRVING (1820) 1 Ariel Brazee SED 356-01 10/12/2011

3. The Legend: What do you know about the story? 2 Ariel Brazee SED 356-01 10/12/2011

4. Characters: Ichabod Crane: School teacher & singing instructor. -likes food very much: Greedy & Selfish -an outsider “Bram Bones”: A Local Hero & Mischief Maker. -known for his heroic feats and tests of strength, how he got his nickname. -although mischievous he has a good heart. Katrina Van Tassel: Only Daughter of Wealthy Farmer. -known for her beauty & wealth -chased after by all the boys in town. 3 Ariel Brazee SED 356-01 10/12/2011

5. Structure: Can we believe this story? Where did this story originally come form? Can we believe the narrator telling us the tale? 4 Ariel Brazee SED 356-01 10/12/2011

6. Supernatural vs. the Natural Irving paints a strong contrast between the natural setting of Sleepy Hollow and the supernatural superstitions of the townspeople. He describes the natural setting of Sleepy Hallow beautifully as the story opens. Imagery is a main tool in this story. The townspeople however, are more focused on their legends and ghost stories. 5 Ariel Brazee SED 356-01 10/12/2011

7. Other themes: Abundance of Resources in America: -Irving draws attention to the theme of Abundance by using Ichabod’s love of food to describe the Commodities of the farms in GREAT detail Lack of Class Structure in America: -Instead of being defined by their titles; the characters in the story are defined by their attributes and actions. -Katrina is pursued by all the boys in town despite her lacking a title. Human Selfishness: -Characters are only out for themselves. Can you find instances in the text? 6 Ariel Brazee SED 356-01 10/12/2011

8. The Legend lives on: Ariel Brazee SED 356-01 10/12/2011 7 Sleepy Hallow is one of the most visited places in the Hudson Valley, thousands of tourists flock to it. "Don't lose your Head”