What is the theme in Rip Van Winkle? Is the theme still valid in today's world?
After reading this selection, I have come to the conclusion that the recurring theme of Rip Van Winkle is to not only not let life pass you by, but also to care about people while they are with you. Don't let life pass you by means don't just sit around and let life happen without you. Although it is impossible for a man to sleep for 20 years without being in a coma, I believe the story is exaggerating Rip's past. I could see Rip being a man who helped others, and nothing else...eventually letting life pass by and one day "waking up" and noticing all the changes. The other theme fo caring for the people who love in the present, not the future, just means not taking people for granted. Although he had a family, he didn't pay them much attention. He didn't like his wife, and never spent time with his own children. Instead, he always was willing to help the neighbors when they asked and he loved playing with the neighborhood children. Again, this could be an exxageration of Rip's past, and instead it could just be that Rip didn't love his family as much and he didn't spend much time with them. Both of these themes are still valid in this world today. Although I think not many people let life pass them by anymore, I do know that the loving your family theme is more viable in today's world. Not many teenagers these days take the time to spend time with their families. When they go off into the world, they don't have that same connectiona and love for one another, and sometimes it makes situations hard.
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