Too Much Beauty Sleep?

         The story of Rip Van Winkle written by Washington Irving is utterly confusing upon first glance. His story builds a unique plot line that serves to confuse the reader. Following the twists and turns of this American short story is an adventure unto itself. 
         
         The story opens with was Rip Van Winkle a lazy, unsuccessful Dutch colonist living in the colonial Kaatskills mountain area. He lived in pre-Revolutionary War times and didn't know of the oncoming threat of war. Although he so lazy, he is also well loved by all those in town. "I observed that he was a simple good natured man; he was moreover a kind neighbor, and an obedient, henpecked husband. Indeed, to the latter circumstance might be owing the meekness of spirit which gained him such universal popularity" (Irving 938). His wife was known as Dame Van Winkle and she ran a tight ship for her house and was constantly nagging Rip Van Winkle about his lack of drive for success. Rip had, "an insuperable aversion to all kinds of profitable labour" (Irving 938). Yet, "He would never even refuse to assit a neighbor in the roughest toil" (Irving 938). Although he was successful in his standings within the community, his home life was rocking and his farm was a failure. 


          To escape his wife's constant nagging, he would take up his gun and head into the woods. He would sometimes sit under a tree with his dog Wolf or at other times shoot game.  On one particular day, he saw a man at the bottom of the mountains that needed help carrying a keg. As to not go against his helpful nature, Rip Van Winkle descended into the deep ditch of the mountains to help the man. Silently they carried this keg through the mountains. "During the whole time, Rip and his companion had labored on in silence; for though the former marveled greatly what could be the object of carrying a keg of liquor up this wild unknown mountain, yet there was something strange and incomprehensible about the unknown, that inspired awe, and checked familiarity" (Irving 941).


         I think this last quote could not be more true and still relates to our lives today. Recently I was asked if I could choose to be a bird or a fish which would I choose. After thinking it through I chose to be a fish over a bird. For birds, they fly through clouds and all they can do is experience cloud after cloud, and although they reach an exciting destination- the journey is quite dull. However for a fish, they can experience many new species of fish and coral. They have the excitement of the unknown threat of a lurking shark. They can travel to the deepest parts of the ocean or skim the surface- there is so much more excitement in the journey.  The familiarity of the clouds was boring, while the unknown of the ocean inspired an awe in my fishy self. The unknown, although slightly scary, always carries along the dazzling question of what exists in itself.  


        Rip Van Winkle and his keg carrying companion delivered the keg to a bar. Although the bar mates were happy, they showed no joy. Rip Van Winkle began to drink their liquor and soon fell into a sleep. When he awakes he is in a green field. His gun is rusting and his joints ache. Also his beard has grown a foot. "I'm not myself-I'm somebody else-that's me yonder-no that's somebody else, got into my shoes- I was myself last night, but I fell asleep on the mountain, and they've changed my gun, and everything's changed, and I'm changed, and I can't tell what's my name, or who I am" (Irving 945). Even though these changes are troubling, Rip Van Winkle returns to his town. His town has also completely changed. The buildings are broken down and King George III's portrait in the hall has been replaced with George Washington's. Rip Van Winkle soon learns that he had slept for twenty years and slept through the Revolutionary War.  His son is all grown up and his wife and many friends have died.


       Rip Van Winkle, after sleeping through the war, still did not change his lazy ways. He told his story and some believed him while others laughed at the tale. His life, although he never accomplished much of anything, lives on in the Kaatskills. In fact, when it rains the current resident refers to the thunder as the Hendrick Hudson crew (the crew that drank the carried keg). 


Question: What was the significance of Rip Van Winkle's 20 year sleep and how does this reflect American literature?