E X T E N S I O N WOMEN MEAN TROUBLE... The experiences of women during the colonial period varied greatly from colony to colony. The Puritans, with their strong religious values, insisted that a woman be subordinate1 to her husband, never work in the fields with him and be dedicated only to educating God-fearing2 children. German and Dutch immigrants, on the other hand, allowed women more control over their own property which they could also dispose of through wills3, but divorce was almost impossible for them too. However, one thing was the law, another thing was how women were really treated by their husbands or how they treated them. As a matter of fact, colonists had to be extremely strong and brave: life was difficult and required courage to endure4 all that came with settling in the new world. The three women portrayed in Irving s stories deeply demonstrate how different women s characters could and can be and how all of them embody universal models. Katrina Van Tassel is described as a non-stop flirt. She is fully aware of the power that her beauty gives her and she does not discourage either Ichabod or Brom but accepts their courtship as her due5. The narrator thinks women are an admirable mystery, but, although Katrina isn t a virago6 like Dame Van Winkle, her character type is one to be watched as potentially dangerous. Irving has created a young woman with an agenda7, willing to use whatever weapons at 1. subordinate: of less importance, submitted. 2. God-fearing: deeply respectful or fearful of God, pious, devout. 3. will: a legal document stating what will happen to one s possessions or property after one s death. 4. endure: to bear, to suffer. 5. as her due: deserved as a moral or natural right. 6. virago: a loud-voiced, ill-tempered woman. 7. agenda: plan, program. 85