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- Title
"Rip Van Winkle" and the Gnostic Vision of History.
- Authors
Daigrepont, Lloyd M.
- Abstract
The article discusses the interpretation of several critics on the "Rip Van Winkle," by Washington Irving. Critics generally interpret story in terms of a conflict between practicality and an ideal suggested at least in part by the tale's setting. They also suggest that Rip's village is perceived as an idealization of the American past or in some other way an antithesis of historical reality. Moreover, the concept presented by Eric Voegelin convincingly argues that the Rip Van Winkle story is more accurately labeled gnosticism, for it originates in the assumption that the world is intrinsically evil and awaits transformation into good through knowledge or gnosis.
- Subjects
CRITICISM; IRVING, Washington, 1783-1859; RIP Van Winkle (Short story : Irving); VOEGELIN, Eric, 1901-1985; GNOSTICISM; GOOD &; evil; WISDOM (Gnosticism); CRITICS; POLARITY
- Publication
Clio, 1985, Vol 15, Issue 1, p47
- ISSN
0884-2043
- Publication type
Article