An Analysis of Developing American Literature Essay

An Analysis of Developing American Literature draw out Van Winkle by Washington Irving and The flagellation of the Pigeons by James Fennimore Cooper demonstrate several distinct American characteristics. Irving focuses on wise Yorks Hudson River while discussing the settings of Rip Van Winkle. New York is probably the most identifiable state in the U. S. and is recognized by its Statue of Liberty welcoming foreigners into its prideful country. While Irving discusses dispositions saucer in similar ways in the U. S. by giving a page description on a simple frozen lake in Somerville.In Rip Van Winkle and The fiasco of the Pigeons the three important American characteristics in these short stories be power of nature, value of the car park man, and increment nationalism. Nature can be a powerful concept. In Rip Van Winkle there is a lovely description of the Hudson River which opens the story. Whoever has made a voyage up the Hudson must remember the Kaatskill mountains. They ar dismembered branch of the great Appalachian family, and are seen away(predicate) to the west of the river excrescence up to a noble height and lording it over the surrounding country.In The Slaughter of the Pigeons there is a similar description. Large flocks of wild geese were seen sledding over the country, which hovered, for a time, around the hidden sheet of water, apparently hard-hitting for a resting-place and then, on finding themselves excluded by the chill covering, would soar away to the north, filling the air with discordant screams, as if venting their complaints a the tardy operations of Nature. Nature is very important to Washington Irving and James Cooper.along with nature, also present is the value of the common man. Values had certainly changed when Rip awoke from his century nap. In a state of confusion, he yells, Alas gentlemen, cried Rip, middling dismayed, I am a poor quiet man, a ingrained of the place, and a loyal subject of the King- God bless him People around Rip thought what he was acting treasonous. Values of America had changed and direct included the concept of voting.Along with American values, came values of nature correspond in The Slaughter f the Pigeons. Its better for you, maybe, Billy Kirby, replied the umbrageous old hunter, and all them that breakt know how to put a ball down a rifle-barrel, or how to bring it up again with a true aim entirely its wicked to be shooting into flocks in this wasty manner We must not waste what we are given in this world, and we must embrace change as well. As long as that change is bettering us as American citizens as shown in Rip Van Winkle.There is also a sense of growing nationalism embodied in both stories. In Irvings short story there is a sign hung in honor of General Washington representing the good that hes make for the country. The red coat was changed for bingle of blue and buff a trade name was held in the hand instead of a scepter the head was embellish with a cocked hat, and underneath was printed in large characters. Nationalism by commentary is having pride in ones country.Whether pride be in local government or in nature itself, in The Slaughter of the Pigeons, Leather-Stocking believes that all life is valuable in this country. Put an end, Judge, to your clearings. Aint the woods His work as well as the pigeons? Use, but dont waste. Wasnt the woods made for the beasts and birds to harbor in? In Rip Van Winkle and The Slaughter of the Pigeons the three main American characteristics in these short stories are power of nature, value of the common man, and growing nationalism.They are each represented in distinct ways but clearly show the importance of America and its impact on the Hesperian Civilization that we know today. Whether stressing the importance of government change for the better in Rip Van Winkle or holding true to nature in The Slaughter of the Pigeons we all hold a part in the shaping American society. The real task is holding the past with one hand while reaching for the future with the other and never let one side pull too hard.