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THE LEGEND OF THE SLEEPY HOLLOW image - Coggle Diagram
THE LEGEND OF THE SLEEPY HOLLOW 
PLOT
The plot centers on Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolteacher, who competes with Brom Bones for the love of Katrina Van Tassel in the village of Sleepy Hollow. The story builds suspense with the mysterious legend of the Headless Horseman, culminating in Ichabod's fateful encounter with the spectral figure, which leads to his mysterious disappearance.
Flashbacks of the plot
flashbacks occur when the villagers recount previous encounters with the Headless Horseman. For example, the narrator shares the tale of the ghostly figure, said to be the spirit of a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannonball during the Revolutionary War. These stories are passed down through the community, serving as flashbacks that give the legend depth and foreshadow Ichabod Crane’s eventual encounter with the spectral rider.
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EXPOSITION Setting
Time
Early 19th century, shortly after the American Revolutionary War
Place
Sleepy Hollow, a small, isolated village near Tarrytown, New York
Characters
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Mood Mysterious, eerie, and suspenseful
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RISING ACTION
Protagonist Role
Ichabod Crane is the protagonist. His goal is to win Katrina’s affection and marry into wealth, but his superstitions make him vulnerable to fear, leading to his downfall
Antagonist Role
Brom Bones is the antagonist, using his wit and strength to outmaneuver Ichabod in the competition for Katrina’s heart. He also likely impersonates the Headless Horseman to frighten Ichabod away.
Conflict
The central conflict is between Ichabod and Brom Bones, who both vie for Katrina’s affection. Additionally, Ichabod faces an internal conflict driven by his fear of the supernatural and ambition for wealth.
Mood
The central conflict is between Ichabod and Brom Bones, who both vie for Katrina’s affection. Additionally, Ichabod faces an internal conflict driven by his fear of the supernatural and his ambition for wealth.
CLIMAX
The climax occurs during Ichabod’s nighttime ride home when the Headless Horseman chases him. This chase is the story’s highest point of suspense, as Ichabod confronts his deepest fears.
FALLING ACTION
**Conflict Outcome
Ichabod vanishes following his encounter with the headless horseman, leaving only his hat and a shattered pumpkin behind. This unresolved outcome leads to speculation among the townspeople.
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RESOLUTION
Final Outcome
The resolution is ambiguous, as Ichabod’s disappearance remains a mystery.
Theme—Story´s Meaning
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow examines how fear and superstition can drive human behavior. It suggests that imagination and irrational beliefs can blur the lines between reality and fantasy, often leading to unintended consequences.
Author´s Purpose
Washington Irving wrote the story to entertain, combining humor with suspense and supernatural elements. He also aims to explore the conflict between rationality and superstition, showing how fear can manipulate human perception and behavior.
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