1 December 2021
Third Essay Rough Draft – Legend of Sleepy Hollow Feminist Criticism
Stories of monsters or impossible characters, such as the headless horseman, have long been popular in American writing. There is something about stories that rely on the element of fear that tends to make a story memorable and thought-provoking. Published in 1820, Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” constructs an examination of masculinity and femininity along with the consequences that arise when one deviates from their accepted gender roles. The text goes on to explore concepts that not only influence the characters within the story, but also continue to affect the lives of both male and female identifying people in modern society. Irving’s use of masculine and feminine characterization along with key plot elements work together to create a tale that demonstrates the unfavorable outcomes that occur when one strays from the path of what has been deemed acceptable by society according to their gender.
The social construct of masculinity is the driving force throughout Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”Deviation from traditional masculinity is a major theme throughout The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which is primarily seen in the main character of Ichabod Crane. Ichabod’s deviation from what is traditionally masculine can be equated to weakness which leads to embarrassment, rejection, and failure. For example, Ichabod is the first character that Irving takes the time to physically describe in depth, emphasizing specific features that include “tall, exceedingly lank, narrow shoulders, with long arms and legs” (include specific citation). These characteristics are traditionally feminine, which are a physical representation of how Ichabod deviates from what is accepted as masculine, creating a foundation for Ichabod’s path downhill throughout the rest of the text. What Ichabod likes to read about, nurturing career as a teacher, etc.
On the other side of masculinity, embracing what has routinely been deemed masculine and adopting a “boys will be boys” type of mindset essentially allows men to act in whatever way they see fit while escaping all consequences of their actions. The character in The Legend of sleepy hollow who best embodies the theme of embracing traditional masculinity is Abraham Van Brunt, known as Brom. Like Ichabod, the first indication of which side of masculinity the character is on is demonstrated in Brom’s physical description. Unlike Ichabod, Brom physically exemplifies most traditionally masculine physical characteristics. (Include physical description of Brom). Brom, the epitome of masculinity on more than just the physical level, even goes so far as to engage in bullying towards Ichabod, effectively punishing Ichabod for his inability to conform to the same standard that Brom embodies.
Femininity, personified in the character Katrina, is a limited and unforgiving narrative. Katrina, the object of both Brom and Ichabod’s intended affection, exists more as a prize to be won and a symbol of status through marriage instead of a whole, complex, independent human being that is seen as an equal to her male counterparts. While both central males, Ichabod and Brom, have levels of depth to their character that allows the reader to have a sense of understanding, Katrina, despite being a crucial driving force behind the plot, lacks that depth.
Modern day – masculinity and femininity as social constructs and toxic masculinity – how it hurts men and women
conclusion