Rip Van Winkle and Other Stories

Rip Van Winkle

Discuss: “Every change of season, every change weather, indeed every hour of the day, produces some change in the magical hues and shapes of these mountains, and they are regarded by all the good wives, far and near, as perfect barometers.” Discuss the effects of the repetition of the words “every” and “change.”

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The effects of this repetition seems to enliven the meanings of the words that are repeated. The author clearly wants the reader to performatively enact (by reading) what the words mean. Of course, the meaning can be stated blandly as an expression of the power of these mountains to measure any and all changes and uncertainties.