How Does Washington Irving Present Atheism In The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow

“Poe, it is obvious my work is much better at expressing human individuality.” Said Washington Irving to Edgar Allan Poe. “Only time will tell,” replied Edgar Allan Poe. Washington Irving, an aspiring Romantic era author, composed many stories throughout his life. Although, he was not well-known, he did compose a story by the name of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Washington Irving’s short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, portrays American Romantic values by the use of imagery, rebellion against reality, and atheism.
To begin with Washington Irving uses imagery to express Romantic values, by setting. According to the story, Sleepy hollow was located in “a small market town… known by the name of Tarry Town” (Irving). Tarry Town was, and still is, a town in New England (New York). Tarry Town was a home to Native American Weckquaesgeek tribe. Tarry
Around the Romantic Era, humans were expected or thought of to be good. No human was supposed to be evil, have cruel, perverse thoughts, or wrong actions. However, a character in the story is described as, ““Brom Bones… the umpire in all disputes…ready for either a fight or a frolic... had more mischief” (Irving). Creating a character that isn’t what someone may call “good,” demonstrates rebellion. According to Figun Dincer, he states, “Brom does not earn his living through a proper occupation or work; therefore one can expect him to make his living by thuggery or robbery” (Dincer). However, that is not the case. Although Brom is not the kindest, it is shown in the story that he will help when it is called for. That makes a twist in the rebellion. Creating a character is thought of to be evil, be actually good, demonstrates rebellion against reality. People were expected to have good in them, but Brom Bones fooled people. He fooled them into thinking he was the headless