"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving is one of the oldest American stories still regularly taught in schools. While this tale is often thought of as "scary", it actually contains a great deal of humor and thoughtfulness. Students will enjoy reading the characterization of Ichabod Crane and the origins of his legendary encounter with the Headless Horseman.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Plot Diagram - headless horseman
Storyboard Text
EXPOSITION
He never strays too far from the churchyard!
CONFLICT
RISING ACTION
Ichabod Crane is the schoolmaster in Sleepy Hollow, a town beset by supernatural occurrences. A local favorite is the tale of the Headless Horseman, the ghost of a Hessian mercenary who lost his head.
CLIMAX
Ichabod Crane wants to marry Katrina van Tassel, the flirtatious daughter of a wealthy landowner, but she has another suitor, Brom Bones. After receiving the brushoff from Katrina, Ichabod leaves a social gathering in an agitated state.
FALLING ACTION
After hearing many ghost stories at the party, Ichabod goes home during the witching hour. Again and again he imagines a ghost or goblin in almost everything he sees. Finally he sees an enormous hulk - the headless horseman.
RESOLUTION
The Headless Horseman matches Crane's pace, and finally chases him. Ichabod tries to spur on the Gunpowder, a borrowed horse, to reach the bridge quickly.
Ichabod makes it to the bridge and turns to see if his pursuer will disappear. The Headless Horseman throws his "head" at Ichabod, who falls off his horse and passes out.
The next morning, the townspeople find Crane's hat and his few belongings, as well as a smashed pumpkin, by the bridge.