The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1820

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Character Analysis

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Why do you think Irving chose to describe Ichabod Crane in such a caricatured, exaggerated way? Would the story be different if Ichabod Crane were average looking or not otherwise notable in any way?

Irving wrote “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in 1820, and the story takes place in 1790. In your opinion, could this story—or a similar one—take place today? Why or why not?

Irving leaves Ichabod’s fate open to interpretation. What do you think really happened to Ichabod Crane? Cite evidence from the text.