Flashcards for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Baltus Van Tassel

Baltus Van Tassel is the well-off Dutch farmer in Sleepy Hollow, and his home is the social and thematic heart of the story.

character

Brom Bones (Abraham Van Brunt)

Brom Bones, also known as Abraham Van Brunt, is the larger-than-life folk hero of Sleepy Hollow — a strong, broad-shouldered young man whose impressive feats of strength have earned him the title of champion in the area.

character

Diedrich Knickerbocker

Diedrich Knickerbocker is the fictional narrator created by Washington Irving, acting as the voice that guides readers through "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

character

Hans Van Ripper

Hans Van Ripper is a minor yet essential character in Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

character

Ichabod Crane

Ichabod Crane, the gangly and superstitious schoolmaster of Sleepy Hollow, is driven by an insatiable appetite for food, wealth, and social advancement, which fuels the central conflict of the story and ultimately leads to his downfall.

character

Katrina Van Tassel

Katrina Van Tassel, the eighteen-year-old daughter of the wealthy Dutch farmer Baltus Van Tassel, is the focal point of the rivalry between Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones.

character

The Headless Horseman

The Headless Horseman is the ghostly villain in Washington Irving's story, or more accurately, the legend that haunts Sleepy Hollow and ultimately shatters Ichabod Crane's dreams.

character

“He was, in fact, an odd mixture of small shrewdness and simple credulity.”

This line is spoken by the unnamed narrator of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), describing the story's main character, Ichabod Crane.

Narrator

“A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere.”

This captivating line appears near the beginning of Washington Irving's short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820), narrated by the fictional historian Diedrich Knickerbocker.

Narrator (Diedrich Knickerbocker) · Opening section

“Such was the formidable rival with whom Ichabod Crane had to contend, and, considering all things, a stouter man than he would have shrunk from the competition.”

This line is spoken by the unnamed narrator of Washington Irving's classic gothic tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820), which is part of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

Narrator (Geoffrey Crayon) · The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (single-story work, Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.)

“As Ichabod jogged slowly on his way, his eye, ever open to every symptom of culinary abundance, ranged with delight over the treasures of jolly autumn.”

This line comes from Washington Irving's classic tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820), told by an all-knowing narrator as Ichabod Crane rides through the Hudson Valley on his way to the Van Tassel party.

Narrator (Washington Irving)

“The whole neighborhood abounds with local tales, haunted spots, and twilight superstitions.”

This line is delivered by the story's all-knowing narrator — the fictional "Diedrich Knickerbocker" persona invented by Washington Irving — right at the beginning of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), as he introduces readers to the magical Hudson Valley hollow.

Narrator (Diedrich Knickerbocker persona / Washington Irving) · Opening section (the story is a single-chapter sketch)

“The old country wives, however, who are the best judges of these matters, maintain to this day that Ichabod was spirited away by supernatural means.”

This line appears near the end of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), spoken by the story's all-knowing narrator as he concludes the fate of the unfortunate schoolmaster Ichabod Crane.

Omniscient Narrator · The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (single-story work, closing section)

“The dominant spirit, however, that haunts this enchanted region, and seems to be commander-in-chief of all the powers of the air, is the apparition of a figure on horseback, without a head.”

This line is delivered by the unnamed narrator early in Washington Irving's short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820), as he introduces the folklore of the Hudson Valley hamlet to the reader.

Narrator (Washington Irving) · The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (single-story work, early expository section)

“Ichabod Crane had a soft and foolish heart towards the sex.”

This line is spoken by the all-knowing narrator in Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820), early in the story as he introduces Ichabod Crane, the schoolmaster, and highlights his weakness for women.

Omniscient Narrator

Ichabod's Horse, Gunpowder

In Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane's borrowed horse Gunpowder reflects Ichabod's deep-seated inadequacies and the false nature of his dreams.

Sleepy Hollow

In Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," the hollow symbolizes the alluring influence of superstition, isolation, and how the past continues to affect the present.

The Headless Horseman

In Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman represents the strength of superstition, shared myths, and the mysteries of life that overshadow logical thinking.

The Pumpkin

In Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the pumpkin symbolizes illusion, rural trickery, and the sway of superstition over rational thought.

The Van Tassel Estate

In Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the Van Tassel estate represents material wealth, social ambition, and the American dream of prosperity—a dream that remains elusive for those who desire it without a sense of belonging.

Irony

Irony runs throughout "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," especially in the contrast between Ichabod Crane's self-image and how readers actually see him.

Hyperbole

In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Washington Irving uses hyperbole as a key comedic device, blowing up every aspect of Ichabod Crane's life to ridiculous levels.

Frame Narrative

In The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving uses a frame narrative to maintain a comfortable, ironic distance from the horror.

Foreshadowing

In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Washington Irving weaves foreshadowing throughout the narrative, building a sense of dread well before the Headless Horseman makes his entrance.

Imagery

In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Washington Irving uses vivid imagery to create the story's eerie atmosphere, turning the Hudson Valley landscape into an active player in the tale's sense of dread.

Symbolism

In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Washington Irving uses symbolism to enhance the story's exploration of superstition, ambition, and the fragility of the American Dream.

Satire

Irving uses satire effectively in his portrayal of Ichabod Crane, whose claims to sophistication and knowledge are constantly undermined by his ridiculous desires and fearfulness.

Suspense

In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Washington Irving creates suspense through careful pacing, an unreliable atmosphere, and the clever withholding of explanations.

Personification

In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Washington Irving personifies the landscape, turning it into an active, brooding presence that heightens the sense of dread beyond mere description.

sequestered

Hidden away and cut off from the outside world; tucked into a remote, sheltered spot where few outsiders ever venture.

adjective · Chapter 1

somnolent

Drowsy and slow-moving, as if in a half-sleep; used here to describe the dreamy, tranquil atmosphere that hangs over the valley.

adjective · Chapter 1

pecuniary

Relating to money and financial matters; here describing ambitions or advantages measured in cash or property rather than honour or rank.

adjective · Chapter 1

pedagogue

A schoolteacher, especially one who is strict or pedantic; in this period the word often carries a slightly comic or pompous tone.

noun · Chapter 1

apparition

A ghost or ghostly figure that suddenly appears; a supernatural vision rather than a living person.

noun · Chapter 1

prodigious

Remarkably large or impressive in size, amount, or degree; far beyond what is ordinary or expected.

adjective · Chapter 1

superstition

A belief that certain events, objects, or actions have magical or supernatural power, not supported by reason or evidence.

noun · Chapter 1

specter

A ghost or frightening phantom; the visible spirit of a dead person believed to haunt a particular place.

noun · Chapter 1

headless horseman

The central ghostly figure of local legend: the spirit of a Hessian soldier killed by a cannonball, said to ride at night in search of his missing head.

phrase · Chapter 1

Hessian

Relating to German mercenary soldiers from the state of Hesse who fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War.

adjective · Chapter 1

choleric

Quick to anger; easily irritated and hot-tempered in manner or disposition.

adjective · Chapter 1

gallant

A fashionable young man who pays elaborate, showy attention to women; a suitor who makes a point of charming the ladies.

noun · Chapter 1

boding

Suggesting that something bad or ominous is about to happen; carrying a sense of dark foreboding or ill omen.

adjective · Chapter 1

ostentatious

Showy and designed to impress others; displaying wealth, knowledge, or ability in an exaggerated way to attract admiration.

adjective · Chapter 1

cognomen

A nickname or distinguishing name attached to a person, often reflecting a notable trait or deed; here used for an informal label rather than a formal surname.

noun · Chapter 1

psalmody

The practice of singing or chanting psalms, especially as part of a church service; here referring to Ichabod's role leading congregational hymn-singing.

noun · Chapter 1

quilting frolic

A social gathering, common in early American rural life, where neighbours met to sew a quilt together and enjoy food, gossip, and entertainment.

phrase · Chapter 1

swain

A young male admirer or suitor, especially one from a rural background; a country lad courting a young woman.

noun · Chapter 1

coquetry

Flirtatious behaviour intended to attract admiration without any serious romantic commitment; playful teasing of potential suitors.

noun · Chapter 1

anon

Shortly; very soon; used as an old-fashioned way of saying 'in a little while' or 'before long.'

adverb · Chapter 1

impunity

Freedom from punishment or harmful consequences; the ability to do something without suffering any penalty for it.

noun · Chapter 1

sylvan

Relating to or characteristic of woods and forests; pleasantly rural and tree-covered in a picturesque way.

adjective · Chapter 1

rantipole

Wild, reckless, and boisterously unruly in behaviour; an old dialect word for someone who acts in a rowdy, devil-may-care manner.

adjective · Chapter 1