The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

by Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Genre 1 key example

Genre
Explanation and Analysis:

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a short story that draws on a variety of genres and traditions, including gothic horror, romanticism, satire, and parody. Gothic fiction, which arose around the 18th century, is typified by sweeping landscapes, dark supernatural elements (like ghosts and witches), a pervading aura of mystery, and a blurred boundary between present and past. The lush, spooky town of Sleepy Hollow, which seems to exist outside of time, is heavily influenced by Gothic elements.