The folktale is a typical Romantic piece. This genre includes many different stylistic elements which Washington Irving uses to create "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." He not only uses these elements to create a typical Romantic tale, but also mocks certain characteristics to add humor and irony.

Irving begins the tale by making it clear that what the narrator is unfolding is not from his own imagination. One of the most tell-tale signs of a folktale is the presence of hearsay, explaining that the story being told is one that has been passed down over time and may contain inaccuracies. In the first paragraph, the narrator describes how the small village of Tarry Town got its name. Before he gives his reasons, he hints that it many not be the correct cause by saying "we are told," a phrase that implies this is only hearsay (1). After his explanation...