Final answer:
An essay on 'Rip Van Winkle' and American mythology should address Washington Irving's role in American folklore, the cultural separation from European influence depicted in early American literature, and the context of the American Renaissance in shaping an American literary tradition.
Step-by-step explanation:
When writing an essay on Rip Van Winkle and the emergence of an American mythology, it's important to include several key elements. Firstly, consider the role of Washington Irving in shaping American mythology and folklore, specifically through his tale of Rip Van Winkle.
Discus how Irving's story represents a nascent American culture, separating itself from European influence. This tale, alongside others like "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", helped to illustrate and define American identity and character through the medium of folklore, embedding itself into American culture.
Furthermore, explore the broader context of the American literary tradition of the mid-nineteenth century. Highlight figures such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville, as well as the impacts of the development of the American publishing industry, as noted by literary historians like William Charvat. Mention also the technological advancements and their influence on the culture of print and the expansion of American literature.
Finally, consider how the American landscape is used as a backdrop in literature to create a sense of place that is distinctly American, as argued by F.O. Matthiessen and his analysis of the American Renaissance. While Irving's stories present a mythology deeply rooted in the American environment, stories like "Bartleby, The Scrivener" by Herman Melville also reflect the complexities and struggles within the American society, creating a multi-faceted image of American mythology.