Rip Van Winkle feared Dame Van Winkle.

Explanation:
Rip Van Winkle is a fictional character created by American author Washington Irving. In the story, Rip Van Winkle is a lazy man who often escapes from his wife's nagging by venturing into the mountains with his dog, Wolf. One day, while exploring the mountains, Rip encounters a group of mysterious men playing ninepins. He drinks their liquor and falls into a deep sleep, only to wake up 20 years later.

During Rip's absence, his wife, Dame Van Winkle, becomes a dominant figure in the village. She is described as a strict, authoritative woman who constantly scolds Rip for his laziness and lack of responsibility. Rip's fear of Dame Van Winkle stems from her domineering nature and his desire to avoid her constant nagging and criticism.

The story portrays Rip as a passive and submissive character, often avoiding conflicts and responsibilities. His fear of Dame Van Winkle represents his desire to escape the pressures and demands of his everyday life. Rip's encounters in the mountains and his subsequent 20-year sleep can be seen as a metaphorical escape from the challenges of his domestic life, including his fear of his wife.

In conclusion, Rip Van Winkle feared Dame Van Winkle due to her strict and dominating nature, which caused him to seek solace in the mountains and eventually led to his prolonged sleep.

Rip Van Winkle is a fictional character created by American author Washington Irving. In the story "Rip Van Winkle," Rip is a lazy and easygoing man who lives in a small village in the Catskill Mountains. He is known for avoiding work and spending his days idly wandering through nature.

Rip's fear is centered around his wife, Dame Van Winkle. She is portrayed as a strong-willed, nagging woman who constantly scolds and criticizes Rip for his laziness. Rip Van Winkle fears his wife's wrath and often tries to escape her by going to the local inn or spending time with his friends.

In the story, Rip Van Winkle goes on a journey into the mountains and stumbles upon a group of mysterious figures playing a game of ninepins. He joins them and drinks their liquor, which causes him to fall into a deep sleep. When he finally wakes up, he discovers that twenty years have passed.

Upon his return to the village, Rip Van Winkle is met with confusion and disbelief from the townspeople who no longer recognize him. He also discovers that his wife, Dame Van Winkle, has passed away. This revelation brings a mix of emotions for Rip, as he is relieved to be free from her constant nagging but also feels a sense of loss and loneliness.

Throughout the story, Rip Van Winkle's fear of his wife serves as a motivation for his actions and decisions. It is his desire to avoid her scolding and criticism that leads him to seek solace in the mountains and ultimately results in his long sleep. However, the story suggests that Rip's fear of his wife is unfounded and that his absence only brings him temporary relief. In the end, Rip Van Winkle learns the importance of responsibility and the consequences of avoiding one's duties.