The story of Rip Van Winkle, written by Washington Irving, indeed tells us that Rip falls asleep in the Catskill Mountains and wakes up 20 years later. However, many people mistakenly believe he slept for a full 100 years. In reality, the narrative emphasizes that he missed the American Revolutionary War and returned to find his world changed, reflecting the passage of time and the transformation of society.
This misconception is likely rooted in the folklore surrounding the tale, where long, deep sleeps symbolize a significant change in life and history. Rip’s journey represents not just the physical changes in his environment but also the shifts in identity and values as a nation. His 20-year slumber serves as a metaphor for the neglect of personal responsibility in the face of broader societal changes.