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The main qualities that appear intrinsic to Rip Van Winkle’s character are kindness and placidity. He is described as “good-natured” and “a kind neighbor,” suggesting that his attitude towards others is welcoming and without malice. Van Winkle is different from his ancestors, who were “gallantly” and “martial,” which almost makes knights (Irving, 2017, p. 517). They could have lived in an age when fighting adversaries was necessary, but it appears that their descendant enjoys a period without conflicts, which shapes his personality. He is also conservative, insisting on living in a “time-worn” house instead of finding a more appropriate dwelling (Irving, 2017, p. 517). The reluctance to change, as well as being “simple,” matches his kindness and placidity, facilitating conformity and the absence of complex desires (Irving, 2017, p. 517). Van Winkle is satisfied with the status quo, even if it is not the best, and having more ambitions would probably make him a different person.
Another important characteristic is Van Winkle’s subordinate attitude towards his wife. He is an “obedient henpecked husband,” while the spouse is one of the “shrews” and “a termagant wife” (Irving, 2017, p. 517). The images are not particularly flattering; rather, the opposite may be considered the norm, given women’s limited rights. However, it is the “meekness of spirit” that makes the man likable and is responsible for his “universal popularity” (Irving, 2017, p. 517). Van Winkle’s kindness is a potential result of his henpecked position, as “men are more apt to be obsequious and conciliating abroad” after being disciplined by their shrewd wives (Irving, 2017, p. 517). Perhaps, a “pliant and malleable” temper is more beneficial for a young country without a solid identity, such as where Van Winkle dwells (Irving, 2017, p. 517). Thus, perhaps, the same qualities are valued in its citizens (Irving, 2017, p. 517). Furthermore, if “a curtain lecture is worth all the sermons in the world,” the practice is not against the Christian principles, endorsing them (Irving, 2017, p. 517). Thus, Van Winkle’s henpecked status is a blessing, rendering him kind, flexible, and pious.
Reference
Irving, W. (2017). Rip Van Winkle. In R. S. Levine et al. (Eds.), The Norton anthology of American literature (Vol. 1, 9th ed., pp. 516-527). W. W. Norton & Company.
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