49 pages 1 hour read

Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1820

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Reading Check

1. When did the Headless Horseman lose his head?

2. Why does the name “Crane” fit Ichabod so well?

3. Who is the author of Ichabod’s favorite book, “History of New England Witchcraft”?

4. How does Ichabod become acquainted with Katrina Van Tassel?

5. What was the prize for which Brom Bones supposedly raced the Headless Horseman?

6. Where does Ichabod first encounter the Headless Horseman?

7. Where did the old farmer encounter Ichabod several years after his disappearance from Sleepy Hollow?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is the setting of the story called “Sleepy Hollow”?

2. What is most attractive to Ichabod about Katrina?

3. What does the old farmer report about Ichabod’s life after leaving Sleepy Hollow?

Paired Resource 

How Washington Irving Shaped Christmas in America

  • This resource explains how Washington Irving, best known for his contribution to the Halloween holiday, also had a profound influence on the celebration of Christmas in North America, inspired by Christmas celebrations he witnessed in England.
  • The full text of Irving’s book Old Christmas is available
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