In post-revolutionary America, literature began to show influence of the newly created As is the case with any young government, many different interest groupsarose to attempt to mold the government according to their vision of democracy. Washington Irving, a native New Yorker born in 1783, grew up in a world engulfed inthis democratic fanaticism. He grew up to be, as befitted his childhood atmosphere, apolitical satirist. This satirical nature of Irvings shines brightly in Rip Van Winkle, as heuses historical allusions and symbolic characters to mockingly compare colonial lifeunder British rule to the democracy of the young United States.The first historical satire occurs attached to the name Peter Stuyvesant, whom ismentioned twice with exaggerated praise. Stuyvesant, a harsh and strongly dislikedgovernor, was in power when the English seized New York. Irving uses a false respectfor Stuyvesant to humor the Dutch of New York, who blamed him for the loss of the landto the English. Having set the scene as a Dutch-friendly narrator, Irving introduces DameVan Winkle, Rips stern wife, who maintains contempt for Rips laziness and carefreeattitude. Dame Van Winkles harsh control over her husband represents King Georgeand the English rule of the colonies. Whereas the colonies were mistreated by George,yet felt faithful and attached to the Crown, Rip stood by his demanding wife. The ironylies in Rips indifference to Dame Van Winkle. He was chided and bossed, but he wascontent. Nicholas Vedder, the owner of the inn, who dominated the conversations andopinions of the junto represents the colonial governors appointed by the Crown. Whilehe rarely spoke, his influence was always present. This mirrors the inactive role thegovernors took in political affairs, and the colonists considerable respect for them. Therelationship between the governors and Britain is illustrated perfectly by Irving whenDame Van Winkle comes to the inn to colle...
