Rip Van Winkle, a tale written by Washington Irving, an author most identified with the Hudson Valley, portrays the independence of the colonies from Great Britain. The setting of the story takes place in the Catskill Mountains, depicting many literary elements through the nature of the scene. The mountains illustrate foreshadowing, personification, and symbolism of the strong rule that Britain once obtained over the colonies. The protagonist, Rip Van Winkle, can also be closely associated with the theme of nature. When Rip falls asleep for twenty years and awakes everything has changed besides the nature that has always offered him comfort.
The setting of the story, the Catskill Mountains, is essential to the nature theme that is illustrated throughout. There is a lot of symbolism that takes place in the mountains. Irving states, "Every change of season, every change of weather, indeed every hour of the day, produces some change in the magical hues and shapes of these mountains" (Irving 112). This quote shows the constant innovation that occurred in the forming of our country and still arises today. When Irving discusses how the mountains differ in shape this could stand for the development of shape and size of the United States as it expanded throughout the years. Another symbol of expansion is that the Catskill Mountains are included in the Appalachian Mountain chain, which runs through seventeen states ranging from Maine to Georgia. Even though our country is established we face change every second of every day between population, laws, technology and even weather. .
Not only do the mountains foreshadow, but they also take on human characteristics. Irving offers personification when he explains that the mountains are, "Swelling up to a noble height and lording it over the surrounding country" (Irving 112). By describing the mountains having a, "noble height" it almost seems as though they acted like a protector of Rip's village.