Satire in Rip Van Winkle
... Throughout the story Rip Van Winkle, Irving uses satire to convey an element of humor. Rip’s individuality from the rest of America is seen through his laziness toward matters regarding his own affairs and his future well-being. ... ” Van Winkle’s wife, back at the farm, is not content with the way in which Rip “sleeps” his life away. ... In this note he begins to explain that while the events discussed in the story may seem questionable, he has talked with Rip himself. ... Throughout the story Rip Van Winkle, Irving uses many allusions to America’s relationship to Britain and the colonies’ government. ... Rip, being an antithesis to most heroes, satirizes romantic literature but conveys an element of humor.