... team after Diedrich. Several years later, Irving moved to London and began to study German literature, scribbling original short tales based on his translations. On one inspired day he produced "Rip Van Winkle," which most scholars describe as the first American short story. In "Rip Van Winkle,"" Washington ... be a mother. Irving has created the plot of "Rip Van Winkle- by using irony. Furthermore, Irving utilizes moralism to teach his audience simple life lessons . Irving depicts the religious and moral lessons of "Rip Van Winkle."" Since simply writing a morality book would not sell o...

• Word Count: 1583
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... Heliopolis, where it burned itself on the altar and rose again from its ashes, young and beautiful. Phoenix, the women in the story, represents the myth of the bird because she is described as being elderly and near the end of her life. Phoenix can hardly walk and uses a cane made of an old umbrella to aid her. Her skin is described ... of her old age, it is clear that Phoenix still has many years ahead of her. The author brings realism into the story by frequently describing the realities of old age. After a short while, Phoenix is rescued: "A white man finally came along and found her...

• Word Count: 1331
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School