Comparison of British Rule and DemocracyRip Van Winkle In post-revolutionary America, literature began to show the influence of the newly created democracy. As with any young government, many different interest groups have arisen to try to shape the government according to their vision of democracy. Washington Irving, a native New Yorker born in 1783, grew up in a world engulfed in this democratic bigotry. He grew up to become, as befitted the atmosphere of his childhood, a political satirist. This satirical nature of Irving shines brightly in Rip Van Winkle, as he uses historical allusions and symbolic characters to mockingly compare colonial life under British rule to the democracy of the young United States. The first historical satire is related to the name Peter Stuyvesant, mentioned twice with exaggerated praise. Stuyvesant, a harsh and greatly disliked governor, was in power when the British took New York. Irving uses false respect for Stuyvesant to pander to the Dutch in New York, who blamed him for the loss of land to the English. After setting the scene as a friendly Dutch narrator, Irving introduces Dame Van Winkle, Rip's stern wife, who maintains contempt for Rip's laziness and carefree attitude. Dame Van Winkle's harsh control over her husband represents King George and the English rule of the colonies. While the colonies were mistreated by George, but felt loyal and attached to the Crown, Rip remained by his demanding wife's side. The irony lies in Rip's indifference towards Dame Van Winkle. He was scolded and commanded, but he was happy. Nicholas Vedder, the owner of the inn, who dominated the conversations and opinions of the junta, represents the colonial governors appointed by the Crown. Although he rarely spoke, his influence was always present. This reflects the inactive role that governors took in political affairs and the considerable respect that colonists had for them. The relationship between the governors and Britain is illustrated perfectly by Irving when Dame Van Winkle comes to the inn to collect her husband. "Nicholas Vedder himself, frightened by the bold tongue of this terrible virago, who openly accused him of encouraging her husband to habits of idleness." (Irving 901) Although a typically influential man, Nicholas is no match for the intimidation of Dame Van Winkle. The turning point of the story occurs when Rip enters the woods and encounters a mysterious band of strangely dressed strangers wearing foreign customs...