Creating an American Mythology

Which detail from "The Wife" conveys the narrator's concern about Leslie's decision to hide the truth about his financial situation from Mary?

"'She must know it sooner or later: you cannot keep it long from her, and the intelligence may break upon her in a more startling manner than if imparted by yourself.'"

Part B - Points depend on a correct response in Part A. Which details from the story best develop the themes answered in Part A? Select the two correct answers.

"Rip was ready to attend to anybody's business but his own; but as to doing family duty, and keeping his farm in order, it was impossible." "Poor Rip was at last reduced almost to despair; and his only alternative to escape from the labor of the farm and the clamor of his wife, was to take gun in hand, and stroll away into the woods."

What theme does Irving develop in "The Wife"?

Confronting problems together can strengthen relationships.

Part A Which statements describe themes developed in "Rip Van Winkle"? Select the two correct answers.

Focusing one's attention on helping others creates an excuse to neglect personal responsibilities. When life becomes challenging, there is solace and comfort to be found in nature.

Readers can conclude that the speaker in "The Village Blacksmith," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, believes that the blacksmith's strong work ethic allows him independence and self-reliance. Highlight the stanza that best conveys this idea.

His hair is crisp, and black, and long; His face is like the tan; His brow is wet with honest sweat, He earns whate'er he can, And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man.

Read the excerpt from "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving. He looked round for his gun, but in place of the clean, well-oiled fowling piece, he found an old firelock lying by him, the barrel incrusted with rust, the lock falling off, and the stock worm-eaten. He now suspected that the grave roysters of the mountain had put a trick upon him, and having dosed him with liquor, had robbed him of his gun. Wolf, too, had disappeared, but he might have strayed away after a squirrel or partridge. He whistled after him, shouted his name, but all in vain; the echoes repeated his whistle and shout, but no dog was to be seen. How does this scene affect the text?

It foreshadows that something extraordinary has happened to Rip overnight.

How does this description of the Kaatskill Mountains affect the text?

It lends credibility to Rip's explanation of his disappearance, which helps him reconnect and reclaim his place within his community.

Read the sentence from "The Wife." "Oh, but my friend! to think what a blow I am to give to all her future prospects,—how I am to strike her very soul to the earth, by telling her that her husband is a beggar!" What do the words "strike her very soul to the earth" suggest?

Leslie worries Mary will be devastated by the loss of their financial and social status.

Which answer best summarizes "The Wife"?

When Leslie suffers financial loss, a good friend encourages him to share the burden with his wife, and his wife teaches him the importance of love over wealth.

What is most likely the meaning of menial as it is used in the paragraph? Read the excerpt from "The Wife" by Washington Irving. "Poor Mary!" at length broke, with a heavy sigh, from his lips. "And what of her," asked I, "has anything happened to her?" "What," said he, darting an impatient glance, "is it nothing to be reduced to this paltry situation—to be caged in a miserable cottage—to be obliged to toil almost in the menial concerns of her wretched habitation?"

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