"A small brook glides through it, with just murmur enough to lull one to repose;..."See in text(The Legend of Sleepy Hollow)
Sleepy Hollow’s atmosphere is one of rest and languid relaxation. The sounds invoked in this passage support its idyllic portrayal—they are natural yet soothing, inviting any listener to rest rather than spur them to action. The imagery is that of an Edenic, romantic-era landscape painting, with a simple valley divided by a brook and populated only by quail and woodpecker.
"where we may see the straw and bubble riding quietly at anchor..."See in text(The Legend of Sleepy Hollow)
This is another example of Irving's skillful use of imagery to emphasize the isolation of Sleepy Hollow even though it is surrounded by a bustling world. In order for the reader to believe in the Headless Horseman, Irving must create a small world (Sleepy Hollow) that is separate from the larger, busier world.
