The character Rip Van Winkle embodies America as seen by England, depicting Americans as indolent and useless subjects of the Crown. Dame Van Winkle, with her arrogant and demanding characteristics, represents England. The Townspeople mirror American society before and after the American Revolution.

Dame Van Winkle is constantly tormenting Rip to attend to the household. She aggravates him so much he tries to seek refuge at the town taveren to remain idle with his friend. This directly parallels the political situation with the government control of England. England was very domineering in the colonies' everyday life and not willing to allow America its freedom. Americans were trying to abvoid the tyranny of England, just as Rip would try to escape his overbearing...