Washington Irving, continued

"The Devil and Tom Walker”

Washington Irving  (177-185)

Review the characteristics of Dark Romanticism from your notes. Below, describe the characteristics of the story that make it a good example of Dark Romanticism.

This story was first published in 1824, long before people’s consciousness had been raised about the cruelty of viewing other people as stereotypes. It was a time, for example, when women characters were housewives, when African Americans were looked down on, and when American Indians were feared as “savages.” The views are reflected in Irving’s story. Find examples of the stereotypes he uses within his story and list them below.

How do you feel about reading literature with these types of stereotypes today?

How would a contemporary American writer be likely to handle the same plot—say, Stephen King? Would the story’s tone change? Choose one major event from the story and rewrite it as a contemporary author might.

Create a visual to go along with the major event you just rewrote.



Preview: Romantic Poetry

Read "The Cross of Snow" on p. 198.

• Identify how Petrarchan Sonnet structure is reflected in the ideas of this poem.
• Why might Longfellow have chosen not to publish this poem during his lifetime?
• What characteristics of Romanticism are reflected in this poem?