Use the following information to create a small and brief timeline of Washington Irving's life. Use at least 5 events from below.

• Born in New York (April 3, 1783)

• Named after President George Washington

• Witnessed Washington's Inauguration (April 30, 1789)

• Went on an extended tour of Europe (1804-1806)

• Wrote "A History of New York" and "The Life of George Washington"(December 6, 1809)

• Considered the first true American author

• Enlisted in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812 (1814)

• Published The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. (June 23, 1819)

• Influenced other American authors like Poe, Hawthorne, Longfellow, and Melville

• Moved to Spain and wrote several books (1826)

• Appointed Minister to Spain (February 1842)

• Published a five-volume biography of George Washington (1856-1859)

• Died of a heart attack at age 32 (November 28, 1859)

Use the following information to briefly state the definition of Romanticism, draw a picture of ONE of the main characteristics, and choose one of the listed examples to explore specific romantic examples (list 2 characteristics).

romanticism: /rōˈman(t)əˌsizəm/

the celebration of the individual and the glorification of nature. More specifically, Romantics embrace the uniqueness of the human spirit, which they feel is reflected in and deeply connected to the untamed wildness of nature.

4 main characteristics of Romanticism in literature:

1. emphasis on emotion and imagination

2. celebration of nature and the rural world

3. focus on individuality and freedom

4. reaction to the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution (rebellion)

Examples of Romantic literature:

• Pride and Prejudice (1813, Jane Austen)

• Frankenstein (1818, Mary Shelley)

• The Scarlet Letter (1850, Nathaniel Hawthorne)

• Les Miserables (1862, Victor Hugo)

Create a mood board using the information below about gothic fiction in literature. (mood board=an arrangement of images, materials, pieces of text). Be sure to include information from each section.

gothic fiction:

a style of writing that is characterized by elements of fear, horror, death, and gloom, as well as romantic elements, such as nature, individuality, and very high emotion

Key Elements of Gothic Fiction:

1. horror and fear

2. mystery and suspense

3. supernatural and paranormal activity

4. intense emotions

5. dark romanticism elements (nature, but on the side of ghosts, demons, spirits, etc.)

Examples of Gothic Literature:

• Dracula (Bram Stoker, 1897)

• The Fall of the House of Usher (Edgar Allan Poe, 1839)

• The Haunting of Hill House (Shirley Jackson, 1959)

• Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Robert Stevenson, 1886)

Create a graphic organizer or chart that connects the themes of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with key characteristics of Romanticism and Gothic fiction.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a classic American short story by Washington Irving. It tells the tale of Ichabod Crane, a schoolmaster who becomes involved in a rivalry for the affections of a local beauty. The story takes place in the mysterious and haunted village of Sleepy Hollow, where supernatural events and legends abound.

Themes:

• history and storytelling

• reality vs. imagination

• supernatural

• war and battle

• greed

Romantic Themes:

• Nature: Both beautiful and haunting

• Individuality: Both heroic and villainous

• Imagination: Both inspiring and terrifying

• The Middle Ages: Referenced in the story's imagery and themes

Pick one of the following topics to write a paragraph (5-7 complete sentences) connecting a modern-day issue to a theme from the story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. You may also connect your own experiences to the themes.

1. Fear of the Unknown

2. Individuality and Conformity

3. Superstition and Belief

4. The Power of Storytelling

5. The Pursuit of Love and Acceptance

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow remains relevant to today's society because its themes and ideas continue to resonate with our experiences and concerns. By examining these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.