The main conflict in Washington Irving’s ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ revolves around the romantic rivalry between Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones over the affections of Katrina Van Tassel. This conflict is both personal and social, embodying the classic struggle between two very different characters.
Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher with a penchant for the supernatural and a desire for wealth and status, represents the new, more civilized America. In contrast, Brom Bones, a robust and boisterous local hero, embodies the traditional values of strength and bravado associated with early American frontier life.
As Ichabod attempts to win Katrina’s heart, his conflict with Brom intensifies, demonstrating the clash between their personalities and social standings. The tension escalates, culminating in a climactic encounter where Ichabod’s fear of the supernatural, combined with Brom’s cunning, leads to Ichabod’s ultimate downfall.
This conflict not only serves as a driving force in the story but also highlights the themes of competition, fear, and the clash between civilization and the rural, untamed spirit. The resolution, marked by Ichabod’s mysterious disappearance, leaves the conflict open-ended, inviting readers to ponder the nature of fear and the legends that shape our lives.