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   parkerlee Teacher
   

   eNotes Editor

   The role of the character as a non-descript, pen-hecked husband is the most obvious one. Rip is the Walter Mitty everyman of his age who finds solace from his wife's nagging first through drink, then through a comatosed wrinkle in time through which he somehow "escapes." The stereotype role models of men and women in society (and more particulary in marriage) are challenged in this farcical comedie de moeurs.The author also pokes fun at the radical changes in the political climate just prior to and after the American Revolution. Besides the changes in government,

   ‘‘The very character of the people seemed changed.’’ There is still a crowd gathered around the local inn, but now their conversation carries ‘‘a busy, bustling, disputatious tone about it, instead of the accustomed phlegm and drowsy tranquillity’’ ... In this new independent world, it appears, men must take notice of politics, if not by serving in the new government then by being informed and carrying on debate. 

   Political activism is in the air, but the quality of life hasn't really changed for the better. Circumstances are radically different but everyday life remains basically the same:

   Indeed, although he is no longer a subject but a free man, ‘‘the changes of states and empires made but little impression on him.’’

                              - enotes (see references below)

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/rip-van/manipulating-hero

   http://www.enotes.com/rip-van/themes

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   Posted by parkerlee on Monday October 27, 2008 at 12:38 PM