Romanticism and Attitudes toward Nature

Here are some questions to think about after you read the selections.

"Rip Van Winkle" 
How can the epigraph at the beginning be tied to the story?
What is Rip's character like? His relationship with his wife, his children, his work, his neighbors? How is he an eternal boy? How is he an American type?
What story of cultural changes in America are reflected here? What sort of truths can be found in this allegedly truthful fantasy?

Re-read all of the Bryant poems in the Webtext and summarize any ideas which you think are "romantic."

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