The Legend of Sleepy Hollow-Ichabod Crane

[Donna]

Hi everyone,

If you are reading our Fall selection "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" you have already been introduced to the character of Ichabod Crane, the young, ambitious schoolteacher who arrives in town. As a teacher he is smart and clever, but his imagination, especially when reading ghost stories, start to become a terrifying reality.

What do you think of Ichabod Crane?

-Donna

[Joshua]

Ichabod Crane is continually self-interested and motivated by appetite, yet likeable for all that. Yet he is also absolutely credulous where any superstition is concerned. Crane's superstitious nature is an Achilles heel for any potential rival to use against him in a contest of courtship for the hand of Katrina Van Tassel.

[Donna]

Hi Josh,

Yes, it's interesting how this character is interpreted by readers. Asking friends about their thoughts about Ichabod Crane, many sympathize with him and are rooting for him to win Katrina. They are convinced Brom Bones to be the egotistical, bully who doesn't deserve Katrina. And rather have the nice, school teacher Ichabod for Katrina, forgetting or forgiving his ambition and short-comings. Ichabod's superstition certainly becomes an issue for him and his goals.

-Donna