Is Rip Van Winkle a tragic or comic figure?

Answer 1

In "Rip Van Winkle," Rip is a comical character. He is a lazy and feckless man, undoubtedly a poor provider, and not of much assistance to his wife or children. However, one day while escaping his chores, he heads for the mountains and encounters the "wee folk." Drinking their mysterious beverage causes him to sleep for twenty years. Although suffering a bit of culture shock when he awakens, Rip actually comes across as a winner in the end. His nagging wife is gone and his daughter is willing to care for him the rest of his life.

Answer 2

A little of both. The tragic angle was during his nap - his wife died and he missed the War, the American Revolution.- The Flinstones version was different-there was no war, and Wilma, after a few years- remarried, I believe a construction accident since Fred on his big sleep- His crane fell over (one wondered if the Dinosaur died, also)- and well he got under a tree- and slept it off.l in the end it turns out to be a bad dream- and he resolves to be more of a family man to Wilma.

Answer 3

Rip Van Winkle is often seen as a comic figure in literature due to his bumbling and carefree nature. His story is filled with humorous situations and amusing characters. While there are elements of sadness and regret in his tale, it is primarily interpreted as a comical and whimsical story.