International Journal of Language & Literature

Revisiting the Theme of Long Slumber in Washington Irving’ Rip Van Winkle and the Tale of the Seven Sleepers: A Comparative Study
Abdullah K. Shehabat, Hussein H. Al Zedanin

Abstract
This study provides across-cultural comparisonof the theme of long slumber in Asian and European tales. An analytical approach is adopted to reveal secrets and demystify ambiguities that encompass both canonical tales: The Seven Sleepers and Rip Van Winkle. That is, we hope to figure out how these tales correlate, interact and reflect on one another by focusing on the three major periods: the Pre-slumber period, the slumber period, and the post-slumber period. We found that the canonical tales in question, despite the theological and historical differences, (co)respond to one another and reveal further secrets and ambiguities. An interesting example elucidated how Irving didn‟t hint at the conditions that had encompassed his protagonist, Rip, during his slumber. However, based on our analysis of The Seven Sleepers tale, we inferred that Rip‟s body was miraculously protected to make him a mediator and/or a witness for the two periods. In short, long slumber was employed in both tales to convey morals like rebirth and change.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v8n1a10