Taken for Granted
Taking for Granted
One’s life may seem dull when favored by many but not by one’s family. A lazy man, not devoted to his family, who neglects his obligations, is selfish and cowardly. Life is short, even shorter and less rewarding when taken for granted. Living life as a pessimist leads one to such displeasure but living optimistically will guide one to happiness. “Rip Van Winkle” is a short story written by Washington Irving regarding a gentleman’s displeasure with his marriage. Rip is noted as a good-natured man, kind to all and considered a “hen-pecked husband.” He is favored by many of the women in the village as well as the children. It is made evident that Rip ignores his duty to his family. He seems to find likeness in helping others, even if it found inconvenient. Running errands and assisting town folk or playing with the children of the village seemed to relieve him of his duties at home. Dame Van Winkle, his wife, might have been the only individual to observe his lazy and neglectful nature towards his family and farm for all the members of the village loved Rip. The author confirms Dame’s observations by disclosing the poor condition of the Rip Van Winkle farm. Rip is more inclined to attend to everyone else’s business and matters but his own. Irving notes that Rip found it impossible to attend to his family and farm. He declares his farm useless, when in fact it only needs manual labor and attending. Irving illustrates Rips laziness and lack of devotion to his marriage, family and farm. He ignored obligations to which he is responsible, for which tend to be a reflection of him. I believe he failed to realize the effect this would have on his children. The author states his children were ragged and wild and with age his son became a mere reflection of Rip in all ways. Rip is very unhappy with his marriage for he reveals displeasure with his wife’s sharp tongue and tart temper. He blames his wife for many
One’s life may seem dull when favored by many but not by one’s family. A lazy man, not devoted to his family, who neglects his obligations, is selfish and cowardly. Life is short, even shorter and less rewarding when taken for granted. Living life as a pessimist leads one to such displeasure but living optimistically will guide one to happiness. “Rip Van Winkle” is a short story written by Washington Irving regarding a gentleman’s displeasure with his marriage. Rip is noted as a good-natured man, kind to all and considered a “hen-pecked husband.” He is favored by many of the women in the village as well as the children. It is made evident that Rip ignores his duty to his family. He seems to find likeness in helping others, even if it found inconvenient. Running errands and assisting town folk or playing with the children of the village seemed to relieve him of his duties at home. Dame Van Winkle, his wife, might have been the only individual to observe his lazy and neglectful nature towards his family and farm for all the members of the village loved Rip. The author confirms Dame’s observations by disclosing the poor condition of the Rip Van Winkle farm. Rip is more inclined to attend to everyone else’s business and matters but his own. Irving notes that Rip found it impossible to attend to his family and farm. He declares his farm useless, when in fact it only needs manual labor and attending. Irving illustrates Rips laziness and lack of devotion to his marriage, family and farm. He ignored obligations to which he is responsible, for which tend to be a reflection of him. I believe he failed to realize the effect this would have on his children. The author states his children were ragged and wild and with age his son became a mere reflection of Rip in all ways. Rip is very unhappy with his marriage for he reveals displeasure with his wife’s sharp tongue and tart temper. He blames his wife for many