describe the conflict in the story

The story's main conflict is the relationship between Rip and his wife, Dame Van Winkle. Thus, the conflict would be considered one of man-vs-man. Rip's consistant desire to be free of his wife's nagging and condescending behavior leads him to the loss of twenty years.

Superficially, the conflict of the story Rip Van Winkle is between Rip and his wife. Symbolically, the conflict is between America (represented by Rip) and Britain (represented by Rip 's wife)