Washington Irving's The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow

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The short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" was written by Washington Irving in 1820. The story was inspired by the new era of time after the American Revolution (1765-1783) and how this varied with the times before and during this significant event. The film, Sleepy Hollow is an adaptation of the short story. It was directed by Tim Burton and published in 1999. It stars Jonny Depp as Ichabod Crane, Christina Ricci as Katrina Van Tassel and Christopher Walken as the Headless Horseman. Though there are some similarities, there are many differences between these two works. This includes characterization and plot.
A major similarity found in the short story, "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and the film adaption, by the same name is the setting and
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(Irving 6)
On the contrary, the film does this with the gloomy weather, run-down buildings, and the mystery behind who is controlling the Headless Horseman. Both of the plots contain exciting events which generate suspense. This is because the central conflict has similarities. In the short story Ichabod and the town are against the Headless Horseman. Ichabod in particular met the horseman (assumed to be Brom) and was chased out of town by him. Similarly, in the movie it is Ichabod and the town against the Headless Horseman and Mary Archer. The Headless Horseman has been killing citizens at the demand of Mary who controls him with his head. These conflicts are both are in the form of man vs the supernatural. In the short story both Brom and Ichabod are fighting for Katrina's hand in marriage. In the film, it is Mary Archer who is against anyone related to the Van Garett's and in line for their fortune. These two conflicts are perfect examples of man vs man. Though Brom fighting for Katrina is not a central conflict of the film, Brom's character is similarly presented to his character in the short story. Brom is jealous of Ichabod for stealing Katrina's attention, as seen by Brom's annoyed facial expression when Katrina kisses

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