Describe the encounter with the little man and the game of nine pins. Why do you think Irving spends so much time describing them? Why does Rip feel that they are the most ""melancholy party of pleasure he had ever witnessed""?

During the scene Rip goes inside the forest and finds some spirits who are playing the nine pin game which results to be a bowling game. The spirits are playing while they drink beer and have fun. However, there is something that calls Rip's attention, and it it the fact that the spirits have an inexpressive face and they are really silent while they are playing the fun game.

Explanation:

The author uses a simple narrative style that connects the public easily and becomes the story really popular once the readers can understand the message in a good way.

The author is responsible for describing the encounter between Rip and the pins, because it was something shocking for Rip since it was his first time with bowling. On the other hand it is important to keep in mind that his wife would never have allowed him to go to such place and have fun that way. Therefore, the scene is a representation of freedom and new experiences for the character.