Romanticisim Proof Project by Malynn Tarczewski

Evidence: Nature

maltarc — 2014-11-04 01:23:17 UTC

This story is romantic because it contains strong descriptions and themes involving nature's beauty and mystery. "Not far from this village, perhaps about two miles, there is a little valley, or rather lap of land, among high hills, which is one of the quietest places in the whole world. A small brook glides through it, with just murmur enough to lull one to repose; and the occasional whistle of a quail, or tapping of a woodpecker, is almost the only sound that ever breaks in upon the uniform tranquility" (Irving 6).

In this quotation, we read about the beauty and peacefulness found in nature. Romantic writers disliked the idea of cities where people would live close together. They loved nature and it's serenity. Nature was seen as a refuge, source of knowledge, and revelation of God.

Evidence: Supernatural

maltarc — 2014-11-04 01:47:21 UTC

In "Sleepy Hollow" there is a very strong presence of supernatural beings and ideas. "Certain it is, the place still continues under the sway of some witching power, that holds a spell over the minds of the good people, causing the to walk in a continual reverie. They are given to all kinds of marvelous beliefs; are subject to trances and visions; and frequently see strange sights, and hear music and voices in the air. The whole neighborhood abounds with local tales, haunted spots, and twilight superstitions" (Irving 6).

There is talk of ghosts, spirits, and bewitching throughout this story. Romantic texts use supernatural ideas to show that the story is different, imaginative, and that there is a use of escapism which takes you away from comfort to the non-normal.

Evidence: Emotion

maltarc — 2014-11-04 01:47:36 UTC

Romantic texts contained lots of emotion. "It was the very witching time of night that Ichabod, heavy-hearted and crest-fallen, pursued his travels homewards, along the sides of the lofty hills which rise above Tarry Town, and which he had traversed so cheerily in the afternoon" (Irving 32).

Ichabod's feelings are expressed in this passage. We can tell that he was happy and elevated, but now he is depressed and upset. The romantic view of man focused on the individual and their emotions. They believed that emotion and imagination were greater than reason itself.

Counterclaim: The story is transcendentalist because it talks about nature.

maltarc — 2014-11-04 18:34:24 UTC

Yes, it is true that nature is involved in this story, but transcendentalists viewed nature as a way to discover a union with the "over-soul" and to surpass the world. Romantics thought of nature as beautiful, peaceful, and a way to know God. In "Sleepy Hollow" nature is depicted as tranquil, and it is not seen as way to become greater than the world.

maltarc — 2014-11-04 18:52:39 UTC

maltarc — 2014-11-04 18:53:44 UTC