drawing of the headless horseman holding a pumpkin and riding a horse through the woods

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

by Washington Irving

Start Free Trial

Student Question

What strategy does Brom Bones plan against Ichabod's interest in Katrina in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"?

Quick answer:

Brom Bones plans to counter Ichabod's interest in Katrina by using practical jokes rather than engaging in physical violence. Although Brom is confident he could win a fight, he is wary of Ichabod's social status and community leadership, which could make Brom appear as a bully. Brom, characterized by mischief more than malice, opts for pranks to undermine Ichabod without causing real harm.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The best way that Irving describes how Brom wants to deal with Ichabod is when he quotes him for saying that he would "double the schoolmaster up, and lay him on a shelf on his own schoolhouse." So, yes, Brom would like to engage Ichabod in a physical fight because he knows that he would win in such a competition. That being said, though, Brom is intimidated by Ichabod's social status. Ichabod is a leader in the community and beloved by every woman in town. Ichabod's leadership and status was right up there with the parson! If Brom did anything too tremendously harmful to Ichabod, then Brom would look like a bully or even a criminal. Plus, the characterization of Brom describes him as one who never wanted to incur true bodily harm to anyone because he is more of a prankster than a bully. Irving says that Brom "had more mischief than ill-will in his composition." Therefore, Brom wasn't a brute by nature and decides to counter Ichabod's rivalry with practical jokes rather than with violence.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial