Plot Summary

Summary of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow takes place in Tarrytown, NY. It is about a Schoolteacher (Ichabod Crane), who falls in love with the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a farmer. Katrina Van Tassel, has but another suitor--the muscular, strong, handsome Brom Bones, who brags about the number of fights he has fought, and runs around on strong horses with his gang, causing trouble and mischief.

When Crane was invited to a party at the Van Tassel's house, he rode there, on a spirited horse called Gunpowder, that he borrowed from his friend, Hans Van Ripper. When he got to the Van Tassel's house, everyone there sat down to dinner. After the lovely feast of Dutch food such as cakes, pies, preserved fruits, and all sorts of broiled, smoked and roasted meats, the music began. Everyone danced about. Ichabod Crane danced with Katrina Van Tassel. Brom Bones sat in a corner glaring at the dancing couple. Then everyone sat down to listen to stories. The tales were fascinating! They were haunting and exiting! They were stories about ghosts and goblins. The favorite tale was about the headless horseman, who haunted the graveyard at night.