The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Themes
The main themes in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” are myth and folklore, city and country, and morality.
- Myth and folklore: The telling of tales plays a prominent role in the haunted town of Sleepy Hollow, and the story itself is written in the form of a local legend.
- City and country: The conflict between city and country is exemplified by Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones, who compete for the hand of Katrina Van Tassel.
- Morality and wealth: Ichabod’s morality is questionable, as he pursues Katrina largely because he wants to inherit her wealth, while Brom’s feelings for Katrina appear authentic.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: Myth and Folklore
Sleepy Hollow is described as a haunted town. The region is, as the name suggests, sleepy and full of mysterious energy. One of the cornerstones of the hollow and its inhabitants is storytelling. Though Ichabod is new to the region, he participates in the discussion of ghostly events just like everyone else. Even newcomers, the narrator says, succumb to the bewitching nature of Sleepy Hollow. Townspeople new and old see apparitions and can feel...
(Read more)Themes: City and Country
In the Dutch valleys like Sleepy Hollow, there is a central conflict between life in the towns and cities that are becoming increasingly industrialized and the more traditional life on the farm. Sleepy Hollow is not against accepting new neighbors. Even still, the storied history of its Dutch inhabitants leaves quite a legacy.
As a newcomer to Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod attempts to reconcile this conflict. His role as a schoolmaster could certainly be...
(Read more)Themes: Morality and Wealth
Ichabod’s morals throughout the story are, at times, questionable. He seeks to marry Katrina Van Tassel primarily because of her wealth and status. He expresses disdain for his lack of station and fantasizes about what it would be like to be selective of the company he keeps. Ichabod scoffs at the idea of Hans Van Ripper, even though the old man lent him the horse he rode to the Van Tassels’ home. He dreams of abandoning his schoolhouse for the...
(Read more)Expert Q&A
Key Themes and Conflicts in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
Key themes in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" include the conflict between reality and imagination, as well as themes of superstition, love, and rivalry. The story explores how fear and folklore can influence people's perceptions and actions, with Ichabod Crane's superstitious nature clashing with Brom Bones' practical jokes, ultimately leading to the climactic encounter with the Headless Horseman.
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow": Characters and Themes in Early American Literature
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving is a unique early American tale due to its shift from religious and historical writings to fiction, helping establish American literature internationally. It features themes like the influence of women, city versus country life, imagination, greed, gluttony, and the supernatural. Characters embody these themes: Ichabod Crane represents greed and gluttony, while Brom Bones symbolizes the rugged, desirable country life. Katrina Van Tassel's influence shapes the story's outcome, reflecting women's subtle power.
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