Abstract: Washington Irving who is an early American writer won international fame by publishing series of novels such as Rip Van Winkle. It is thought that Rip Van Winkle is a romantic novel. However, the author of this paper regards it as a atypical Gothic novel. In this paper, the author analyzes Gothic elements and supernatural atmosphere in the novel. By analyzing mystery, horror, terror, sublime scene and time travel, the author proves that it is a Gothic novel. This paper starts with Gothic tradition in literature and analyzes the name and magical hues of mysterious fairy mountain. Next, it explains the sublime and the terror. Then, it contrasts changes of the village and citizens here in order to analyze horror in the story. Next, it highlights contradictions between the good and the bad. Finally, it points out supernatural phenomena such as time travel and witches. Irving penetrates Gothic elements and supernatural atmosphere in wonderful plots so the novel is rather an American-style Gothic novel than a atypical European Gothic novel.

Key words: Rip Van Winkle  Gothic elements  Supernatural Atmosphere

Content

摘要：

Abstract:

Introduction-4

1.Gothic Elements-5

1.1 The Origin of Gothic Tradition in Literature-5

1.2  Analysis of Gothic Elements in Rip Van Winkle-6

1.2.1 Mystery-7

1.2.2 The Sublime and Terror-8

1.2.3Horror-9

1.2.4 Conflicts between the Good and the Bad-11

2.Supernatural Atmosphere-14

2.1TimeTravel-14

2.1.1Time Travel of Immortal Hendrick Hudson-14

2.1.2 Time Travel of Rip-15

2.2 Other Supernatural Phenomena-16

2.2.1 The Emotional Dog Wolf -16

2.2.2  Ghosts and Witches-17

Conclusion-17

Bibliography-18

Acknowledgments-20