Romanticism
Romantic Literature is characterized by a propensity for nature, imagination, and intuition. It discards the importance of reason and conventions of society.
Characteristics of Romanticism are evident throughout Rip Van Winkle. Rip Van Winkle, the title character, lives by a higher principle which is a notable characteristic of romantic heroes. He is altruistic, and helps his neighbors without questions. Another characteristic displayed is Van Winkle's dislike of town life. He has a difficult time fulfilling his wife's expectations, and this leads to her nagging him. He tries to escape his home life and society by entering the woods.
The characters connection to nature is another key aspect of Romanticism that is apparent in the story. But perhaps the most obvious romantic trait is the use of imagination, and the discarding of reason. After encountering the stranger in the woods, becoming entranced, and following him to a gathering of more strangers, Rip Van Winkle......

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Title: Four Genre Outlines
Approximate Word Count: 1678
Approximate Pages: 7 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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