Figurative Language In The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow

Figurative language can be used to paint a theme for a specific piece of literature. When the figurative language is utilized it can establish a tone and mood for the reader. In doing so, it also allows for the piece of literature to be defined into different forms like romantic and Gothic literature. “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving have different examples of figurative language that allows for them to be classified as romantic and gothic. During the 1800s, writers began Gothic and romantic forms of literature. Gothic literature explores a pessimistic perspective in human nature while using dark themes and horrific images. A famous example is Washington Irving. Romantic literature explores more optimistic themes and generally extends appreciation towards nature where romantic authors sometimes wrote long, detailed pieces of imagery to express that appreciation. A famous example of an author who wrote …show more content…
The narrator of the story is describing the sky in “Rip Van Winkle.” The author writes, “...in the last rays of the setting sun, will glow and light up like a crown of glory (Irving 8).” The narrator compares the sun’s brilliance to that of a crown. In doing so, the narrator’s tone is admiring toward the nature in this scene. Commonly, in romantic literature, romantic authors may express appreciation for nature. In “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the narrator describes the nature of the Headless Horseman. Irvings writes, “...which he sometimes passes along the Hollow, like a midnight blast (Irving 4).” The narrator compares the periodic passing of the Headless Horseman to a rushing darkness. In doing so, the mood is created into an ominous, dark atmosphere. In Gothic literature, it is common for mysterious characters to be present. In literature, simile can be present to define the type of literature through mood and