Student Question
How does the repetition of "every" and "change" in the following passage from "Rip Van Winkle" affect the passage?
“Every change of season, every change weather, indeed every hour of the day, produces some change in the magical hues and shapes of these mountains, and they are regarded by all the good wives, far and near, as perfect barometers.”
Quick answer:
The repetition of "every" and "change" emphasizes the constant transformation of the Catskill Mountains, enhancing their magical and enchanting quality. This continuous flux contributes to the mystical atmosphere, making the mountains seem otherworldly. This sense of enchantment aligns with Rip Van Winkle's surreal encounter with the spirit of Henry Hudson and his crew, reinforcing the notion of the mountains as a place where extraordinary and dreamlike events occur.
The effect of the repetition of the words “every” and “change” is to highlight the fact that the Catskill Mountains appear to be in a constant state of flux, which only adds to the sense of magic about them.
The ever-changing shapes and colors of the mountains make them seem like they come from another world, like they are enchanted. Those impressions are reinforced by the strange experience that Rip Van Winkle has when he wanders through the Catskills one day and comes across the spirit of Henry Hudson, the famous English explorer—known in Dutch as Hendrick Hudson—and his crew.
Such an unusual encounter is exactly what we'd expect to see in a place where there is so much change at every hour of the day, and where such change produces a magical transformation in the shapes and colors of the mountains.
The luscious description of the Catskills from the above excerpt gives us the impression that there's something almost unreal about them. And there's certainly something unreal about Rip Van Winkle's encounter with the spirits and his subsequent descent into a two-decades-long slumber.
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.
Already a member? Log in here.