An Analysis of Developing American Literature Essay

An Analysis of Developing the Statesn Literature Rip Van dash by Washington Irving and The debacle of the Pigeons by James Fennimore Cooper acquaint several distinct American characteristics. Irving focuses on New Yorks Hudson River man discussing the settings of Rip Van flash. New York is probably the most identifiable sound out in the U. S. and is recognized by its Statue of Liberty welcoming foreigners into its prideful country. magic spell Irving discusses natures beauty in standardised ways in the U. S. by giving a page description on a simple frozen lake in Somerville.In Rip Van winkle and The Slaughter of the Pigeons the three main American characteristics in these short stories atomic number 18 big businessman of nature, value of the unwashed man, and growing nationalism. Nature can be a powerful concept. In Rip Van Winkle thither is a lovely description of the Hudson River which opens the story. Whoever has do a voyage up the Hudson moldiness remember the Kaats kill mountains. They are dismembered branch of the great Appalachian family, and are seen away to the west of the river s haleing up to a noble aggrandisement and lording it over the surrounding country.In The Slaughter of the Pigeons in that location is a similar description. Large flocks of wild geese were seen passing over the country, which hovered, for a time, around the dark sheet of water, apparently searching 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 fundamental 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 put up of confusion, he yells, Alas gentlemen, cried Rip, somewhat dismayed, I am a distressing quiet man, a native of the place, and a loyal subject of the King- beau ideal bless him People around Rip thought what he was playing treasonous. Values of America had changed and now included the concept of voting.Along with American values, came values of nature represented in The Slaughter f the Pigeons. Its better for you, maybe, Billy Kirby, replied the indignant old hunter, and all them that dont know how to put a ball down a rifle-barrel, or how to bring it up again with a true aim provided 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 deal 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 embody in both stories. In Irvings short story there is a sign hung in honor of General Washington representing the secure that hes done for the country. The red coat was changed for one of blue thistle and buff a sword was held in the hand instead of a scepter th e head was decorated with a cocked hat, and underneath was printed in macroscopic characters. Nationalism by definition is having pride in ones country.Whether pride be in local authorities 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 Western Civilization that we know today. Whether stressing the importance of government change for the better in Rip Van Winkle or incorporateing true to nature in The Slaughter of the Pigeons we all hold a part in the s haping American society. The real trade union movement is holding the past with one hand while reaching for the incoming with the other and never letting one side pull as well as hard.