Washington Irving

Definition

Washington Irving was an American author and diplomat, best known for his short stories and essays that reflect early 19th-century American culture. He played a significant role in shaping American literature and humor, particularly through his famous works like 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and 'Rip Van Winkle,' which incorporate folk tales and regional characteristics, often with a satirical twist.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Washington Irving was born on April 3, 1783, in New York City and became one of the first American writers to gain international acclaim.
2. Irving's work often drew inspiration from European folklore and local legends, blending them with American themes to create a unique narrative style.
3. He was a pioneer of American humor, using wit and satire to address social issues while entertaining his readers.
4. Irving's use of pseudonyms, like Geoffrey Crayon and Diedrich Knickerbocker, added layers to his storytelling and allowed him to explore different voices in his writing.
5. He was also the first American author to make a significant living solely from writing, paving the way for future generations of American writers.

Review Questions

• How did Washington Irving contribute to the development of American humor in literature?
  • Washington Irving contributed to the development of American humor by incorporating satire and wit into his storytelling. His works often reflected the quirks of American society and regional characteristics while using humor to address serious issues. By blending European folklore with American settings and themes, he created a distinct voice that resonated with readers, making him a foundational figure in American comedic literature.
• In what ways did Irving's use of pseudonyms enhance his literary style and themes?
  • Irving's use of pseudonyms like Geoffrey Crayon and Diedrich Knickerbocker allowed him to explore different narrative perspectives and styles. This technique added depth to his storytelling by creating varied voices that could comment on social issues from multiple angles. It also engaged readers by offering a sense of playfulness and creativity, showcasing his ability to navigate between humor and serious commentary.
• Evaluate the impact of Washington Irving's work on future generations of American writers and the broader literary landscape.
  • Washington Irving's impact on future generations of American writers is profound; he set a precedent for creating a distinctly American voice in literature. By successfully integrating humor with cultural narratives, he opened the door for writers like Mark Twain and Nathaniel Hawthorne to explore similar themes in their work. Moreover, his ability to gain international recognition as an American author encouraged other writers to pursue their craft seriously, helping establish America as a legitimate literary force in the 19th century.

Related terms

Knickerbocker: A term referring to the early 19th-century group of New York writers, including Irving, who contributed significantly to the development of American literature and humor.

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, influencing Irving's storytelling style and themes.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society, prevalent in Irving's works.