What is rip van winkles's relationship with nature?

For Rip Van Winkle, nature offers Rip a sense of freedom. Early in the story, he desires to leave his nagging wife and all the difficulties of modern, industrialized life behind. By escaping into the woods and living in nature, he feels he will be able to leave freely in solitude and peace. Nature, then, serves as a place where Rip can find harmony and personal satisfaction.