THE HARMONY OF HISTORY, MYTH, AND NATURE IN WASHINGTON IRVING’S WORKS

Аннотация

Washington Irving, often regarded as the first American literary figure to gain international recognition, masterfully blended history, myth, and nature in his stories. This paper explores how these elements intertwine in two of his most celebrated works, Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. By examining Irving’s narrative techniques and thematic concerns, we can better understand his role in shaping early American literature and national identity. Keywords:Washington Irving ,romanticism , myth and folklore , historical fiction, national identity , nature and landscape, Hudson River Valley , nostalgia and the past, American storytelling tradition ,European influences ,Legend andsupernatural elements