Who Dame Van Winkle is
Dame Van Winkle lives with Rip in a Dutch village at the foot of the Catskill Mountains. She runs their household while her husband avoids the work needed on his own farm. Irving presents her sharply but comically, making her the opposite of her cheerful, easygoing husband.
What Dame Van Winkle wants
Dame Van Winkle cannot forgive Rip's idleness, and the state of their home gives her reasons to complain. She sees weeds, broken fences and hungry children while Rip finds time to help other people. Her scolding brings the household's needs into a story whose central character would rather escape them.
Dame Van Winkle and the others in the story
When Dame Van Winkle arrives there, she scolds the whole company, not just her husband. Rip then heads into the woods with Wolf, his loyal hunting dog, who also fears her.
Questions
Who is Dame Van Winkle?
Dame Van Winkle is Rip's wife and the person who keeps their household going.
Why does Dame Van Winkle scold Rip?
She scolds him because he neglects his farm and leaves the family's needs unmet.