Question

Based on the story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow​" by Washington Irvin"

Discuss Ichabod Crane. Is he the hero of the story? Based on the way he looks and behaves, is he a typical hero? Is there someone else in the story who better exemplifies the traditional hero?

Answer 1

Ichabod Crane is not a typical hero in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'; he lacks traditional physical bravery and appearance but shows resilience and a rich imagination. Brom Bones is more of a traditional hero in terms of confidence and physicality. Ichabod's character brings complexity to the idea of heroism in the story.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ichabod Crane, the protagonist of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, is not a typical hero, especially in his physical appearance and behavior. He is depicted as being tall and exceedingly lank, with a small head and large ears, more akin to a scarecrow than a classical hero. This description contrasts sharply with the traditional image of a hero, who is often robust, brave, and physically commanding.

Instead of courage and physical prowess, Ichabod possesses a mix of pliability and perseverance. Though not a traditional hero, he has traits like flexibility and resilience, expressing the theme that heroism can take different forms. Yet, if there's anyone in the story who more closely resembles a stereotypical hero, it would be Brom Bones, with his confident, robust nature and eventual win over Katrina, suggesting that he is more of the story's traditional, albeit flawed heroic figure.

Ichabod's encounters with real and supernatural challenges, including his rivalry with Brom Bones and his fascination with the local specters and the tale of the Headless Horseman, render him a more complex character, one driven by superstitious belief and human desires. Despite his unorthodox traits, Ichabod represents the story's focus on the power of the imagination and the enduring human struggle between fear and attraction to the unknown.

Answer 2

Discuss Ichabod Crane. Is he the hero of the story? Based on the way he looks and behaves, is he a typical hero?

Answer: Ichabod Crane is not the hero of the story.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ichabod Crane comes to Sleepy Hollow to be the schoolmaster. He is extremely thin and tall, and his physical appearance does not make him a good example of a hero. Crane is old-fashioned and particularly interested in supernatural elements and ghost stories. His attempt to marry Katrina Van Tassel fails, as she chooses his rival, Brom, over him. Crane is also friends with women, and has no male companion.

Is there someone else in the story who better exemplifies the traditional hero?

Answer: Brom Van Brunt is a better example of the traditional hero.

Step-by-step explanation:

Brom represents a real American hero. He is strong, boisterous, skilled on horseback. Although he is extremely strong, he never beats Crane physically. He has male friends, and, as opposed to Crane, wants to marry Katrina out of love, and not because of her money. He is not as educated as Crane is, but turns out to be the one who wins Katrina's heart. He is more clever and, therefore, outwits his rival.