Is the Sleepy Hollow Just Another Tired, Worn-Out Tale?

Jared Robison

Moby Dick, The Scarlett Letter, The Raven,- three works of literature that have indelibly impressed the minds of millions of readers throughout the generations and have immortalized the authors of their existence. But from what soil does this illustrious literary verdure originate? Every effect has causation; there must have existed, out of necessity, an individual who planted the seeds of American prose. From what mind- from what soul- did the mellifluous foundation of American writers spring forth? This accomplishment can, without hesitation or substantial cognitive exercise, be attributed to Washington Irving, pioneering novelist and literary advocate. It is this man who, with the publication of The Sketchbook of Jeffrey Crayon, permanently established the short story, entered American works into the libraries of the world, and justified the existence of professional authors. Irvings short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is, perhaps, his most famous, (and influential), work. An engaging short story of suspense and the supernatural, Sleepy Hollow paints the New England landscape with the finest of brushes and creates an aura of quiescent enchantment. This tale relates the story of Ichabod Crane, a teacher who takes the post of schoolmaster in a Dutch farming community located in the bewitched valley of Sleepy Hollow. This region is home to the apparition of a headless Hessian trooper on horseback, appropriately termed The Headless Horseman. The tall, lank Mr. Crane possesses an inordinate affection for paranormal accounts and activities, an appetite which is fully satisfied in the haunted Hollow, and particularly the Headless Horseman. During the course of his existence in the mystical village, Ichabod becomes the suitor of Katrina Van Tassel, (future heiress of a large farming estate), and

rival of Brom Bones, an influential farmer also in pursuit of Katrina. One dark evening, Ichabod, in the process of returning home after a summer party, encounters the fierce Hessian; in hopes of evading the spirit, the schoolmaster urges his horse to a thunderous pace, but to no avail. After a desperate chase, the Horseman, rising in his saddle, hurls his head at Ichabod, dismounting the unfortunate teacher. For the next few days, the villagers searched for Crane, but without success. Some theories suggested that Brom Bones had permanently frightened his competitor away, while others maintained that Ichabod had indeed been carried off by the Headless Horseman. Without a doubt, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow describes with picturesque detail the gorgeous vicinity of northern New York. From the luscious foliage of the woods to the ample tables of the Dutch farmers, Irving delineates the surroundings with perfect accuracy and engaging style. The setting and plot, on a plane of equality, weave together with pinpoint symmetry to produce a story that ensconces the reader in an atmosphere of lethargic, almost magical, contemplation. The plot, derived from Dutch folklore, is a fireside ghost story that flawlessly fuses with Irvings storys locale. Instilling a sense of quiet anticipation into the observer, the storyline subtly communicates a feeling of gradual escalation, not tantamount to fear, but more significant than disinterested continuance. Progressively, the plot intensifies to the climax, where Ichabod experiences the fatal encounter with the Headless Horseman. The disastrous meeting wholly engrosses the bibliophile, whose mind naturally begins to construct possible outcomes. However, while Ichabod crashes to the ground, the reader suddenly finds himself suspended midair. What is the fate of the schoolmaster? The dnouement, rather than issuing insights, merely offers various options. Hence, Irving concludes his story in the same fashion as it began-shrouded in mystery.

In hopes of ascertaining some weakness in a storyline, critics invariably revert to the characters involved. However, even Mr. Grossman will have trouble distinguishing flaws with this book. Irving once again displays his mastery by formulating characters that flow with the story but yet retain identifiable mannerisms and intellects. In fact, Ichabod Crane is discovered to be, under close examination, a precursor of Charles Dickens accessory characters and antagonists- that is, somewhat laughable and exaggerated, but in all probability a mirror image of ourselves. In assessing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, nothing can be identified as incorrect, overused, or stale. Fresh language, accessible characters, and a moving plot all contribute to make a superior piece of prose that has been read for nearly 200 years and in all probability will be enjoyed for the next 200. The dominant spirit, however, that haunts this enchanted region is the apparition of a figure on horseback without a head. It is said the spectre is known by the name of The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. With these chilling words, Washington Irving introduced perhaps one of the greatest short stories in American literature- a story that demarcated the course American writers would conform to and further cultivate for years. This short story has resounded in the minds of eager readers, vividly portraying the effervescent greenery of the New England countryside and creating an atmosphere of suspense and the supernatural. Successful in almost every aspect, Sleepy Hollow is a fantastic work of literature that will forever be remembered as one of the first efficacious short stories and that will forever be read and enjoyed.