ROMANTICISM IN WASHINGTON IRVING'S WORKS

Romanticism was one of the most influential literary movements of the nineteenth century. It emphasized imagination, emotion, nature, folklore, and individual experience. Washington Irving is considered one of the first American writers who introduced Romantic ideas into American literature. His works combine elements of fantasy, mystery, history, and national identity. This thesis analyzes the main Romantic features in Irving’s works, especially in “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The paper discusses how Irving used supernatural elements, descriptions of nature, folklore, and emotional atmosphere to create Romantic literature. In addition, the study explains Irving’s contribution to the development of American Romanticism and the American short story tradition.