The fantasy story of "Rip van Winkle" by Washington Irving tells the events around the character Rip Van Winkle and how he had 'slept' through the whole American revolution. His new atmosphere after his 'sleep' brought about a huge change in his life.
Mr. Winkle had 'escaped' his wife's haranguing to the forest where he enjoyed a drink with a group of weird strangers. this drink left him sleeping but when he woke up, he found that everything has changed. Once back to the village, he proclaimed his loyalty to "the king'', not knowing that the American nation had attained freedom from the Britishers. He spent his remaining life living quietly with his children and grandchildren.
Thus, the government that the colonies of the American nation were rid f was the British monarchy.
Power of poetry, nature, and joy are the major themes of this poem. Throughout the poem, the poet tries to develop the idea that poetry possesses an ultimate power and that it is superior to other genres of literature.
