Answer:
In Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, the author employs a variety of literary elements to create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The story is set in a small village in New York during the late 1700s, and follows the adventures of Ichabod Crane, a schoolmaster who is the object of the affections of two young women: Katrina Van Tassel and the mysterious Horseman. Irving uses a variety of elements to create a sense of tension and mystery in the story, including setting, characterization, narrative structure, and imagery.
The setting of the story is essential to its development of suspense. Irving establishes the rural village of Sleepy Hollow as a place of mystery and superstition, with its dark woods and strange inhabitants. This setting allows Irving to create a sense of fear and tension, as the characters are constantly in danger of being attacked by the mysterious Horseman.
The characterization of the characters also builds suspense. Irving portrays Ichabod Crane as a superstitious, cowardly figure, and his rival, the Horseman, as an imposing and menacing figure. This allows Irving to create a sense of tension as the reader follows Ichabod’s attempts to escape the Horseman.
Irving also uses a non-linear narrative structure to further build suspense. He jumps between different time periods, often leaving the reader with unanswered questions and a sense of anticipation. This creates a feeling of suspense, as the reader wonders what will happen next.
Finally, Irving uses imagery to create a sense of fear and dread. He uses words like “darkness”, “gloom”, and “horror” to evoke a feeling of uneasiness, and to create a sense of foreboding.
By employing these literary elements, Irving creates an atmosphere of suspense and mystery in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. The story’s setting, characterization, narrative structure, and imagery all contribute to this feeling of suspense, allowing the reader to become invested in the characters and their fate.
Make Me As a Brainelist If You Like