Rip Van Winkle - A Lovable Fool Irving describes his main character as a lovable fool. As stated in the text, Van Winkle is... one of those happy mortals, of foolish and well-oiled dispositions, who take the world lightly, eat white or brown bread, whatever can be had with the least thought or problem, and who would I would rather starve on a penny than work for a pound. It is also said of him that he is a man who, if left to his own devices, would whistle, c'est la vie... Obviously, Van Winkle cares about progress. However, we must look at how he fits into his rustic community to get a more precise idea of ​​him. Although much is satirized about Van Winkle being a slave husband, the story also bears witness to his many good works. Not afraid of hard labor, Van Winkle is regarded by members of his community as one who would never refuse to help a neighbor in the hardest work, and was a leading man in all country activities for hull Indian corn or build stone fences. . He is also considered someone very appreciated by the gentler sex, as the text continues: The women of the village also employed him to do their shopping and to carry out such small jobs that their obliging husbands would not do for them. He also has his place among the idle philosophers who gather outside the inn to discuss the events of the day. In this case, Van Winkle finds himself in good company: Nicholas Vedder is the owner of the inn and Van Bummel is the town schoolteacher. Even the village children love it. The reason for his popularity gives further proof of Van Winkle's character. He assisted them in their sports, made their toys, taught them to fly kites and shoot marbles, and told them long stories of ghosts, witches, and Indians. Given all this, Van Winkle seems to embody Christian charity and kindness. His only real flaw is that he prefers to mind anyone's business but his own. But constant attention to others spells disaster for the home, and Van Winkle is a failure both with his farm and with his wife. But even considering these flaws, he is still accepted by society. Whether he is considered a saint or a fool doesn't really matter, because he has his place. Rip Van Winkle's story shows us how dependent he was on the community, without which he could not exist. His place in society and the recognition of others were crucial in the way he defined himself.