American English Podcast 152 - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Halloween Special)
Oct 12, 2023
Delve into the origins and influence of the Sleepy Hollow legend, including its impact on American literature and media. Meet the peculiar Ichabod Crane and the Van Tassel family as they navigate love and rivalry. Experience the spine-chilling chase as Ichabod tries to escape the Headless Horseman. Reflect on the enduring legend and speculate on Ichabod's mysterious fate. Bonus material available for season 4 subscribers.
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Irving’s Fusion Of Folklore And Local Life
- Washington Irving drew on European supernatural tales and rural New York life to craft enduring American ghost stories.
- His mixes of local setting and old-world folklore created a new, popular American literary tradition.
How To Approach The Original Story
- Read the original Washington Irving text if you want the full, unabridged experience.
- Use the episode's simplified version first if you need easier language before tackling the classic.
Ichabod’s Courtship And Rivalry
- Ichabod Crane is a peculiar, lanky schoolteacher obsessed with ghost stories and books about the supernatural.
- He courts Katrina Van Tassel while rival Brom Bones uses charm and mischief to compete for her affection.