The Devil And Tom Walker Quizlet

Diving into the eerie and captivating tale of "The Devil and Tom Walker" by Washington Irving unveils a world where greed, moral decay, and the supernatural intertwine. This exploration will navigate the narrative's core, the characters' motivations, and the haunting atmosphere that defines this classic American short story.

Unpacking "The Devil and Tom Walker": A Journey Through Greed and Temptation

"The Devil and Tom Walker" tells the story of Tom Walker, a miserly man living in the outskirts of Boston, who encounters the Devil (referred to as "Old Scratch") in a swamp. The Devil offers Tom a deal: he will give Tom the buried treasure of Captain Kidd, a notorious pirate, on certain conditions. After consulting with his equally greedy wife, Tom eventually agrees to the Devil's terms and becomes a usurer, lending money at exorbitant interest rates. As Tom grows older, he becomes increasingly fearful of the Devil coming to collect his due. In an attempt to cheat the Devil, Tom becomes ostentatiously religious. However, his hypocrisy is revealed, and the Devil ultimately claims Tom's soul.

The Genesis of the Story

Washington Irving's "The Devil and Tom Walker" first appeared in his 1824 collection, Tales of a Traveller. The story is heavily influenced by European folktales, particularly the Faustian legend of a man who makes a deal with the Devil in exchange for worldly gains. Irving masterfully adapts this age-old trope to a distinctly American setting, incorporating elements of Puritan culture, colonial history, and the anxieties surrounding wealth and morality in a burgeoning capitalist society. The story serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of greed, hypocrisy, and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of one's soul.

Key Characters in the Narrative

• Tom Walker: The protagonist, a miserly and greedy man who lives in a forlorn, poverty-stricken existence despite the potential for wealth hidden nearby. Tom is characterized by his stubbornness, his contentious relationship with his wife, and his eventual descent into hypocrisy. He embodies the corrupting influence of greed and the lengths to which people will go to acquire wealth.
• The Devil (Old Scratch): A figure of both terror and temptation, the Devil is presented as a shrewd businessman who preys on human weaknesses. He represents the embodiment of evil and the corrupting power of temptation. His presence in the story serves as a constant reminder of the moral consequences of choosing wealth over righteousness.
• Tom Walker's Wife: A woman as miserly and greedy as her husband, she embodies the same avarice and moral decay. Her desire for wealth fuels the initial encounter with the Devil and contributes to the tragic trajectory of the story.
• Captain Kidd: A notorious pirate whose buried treasure forms the basis of the Devil's bargain with Tom. Kidd represents the illicit origins of wealth and the inherent corruption associated with ill-gotten gains. His hidden treasure symbolizes the temptations that lead individuals astray.

Delving Deeper: Plot Points and Literary Devices

The narrative unfolds through a series of key events, marked by symbolism and literary devices that enhance the story's themes.

• The Encounter in the Swamp: The initial meeting between Tom Walker and the Devil in the swamp sets the stage for the entire story. The swamp itself is symbolic of moral decay and the hidden dangers that lurk beneath the surface of society.
• The Devil's Offer: The Devil's offer of Captain Kidd's treasure presents Tom with a moral dilemma: whether to succumb to temptation and acquire wealth through questionable means or to maintain his integrity, even in poverty.
• Tom's Transformation: After agreeing to the Devil's terms, Tom undergoes a transformation, becoming a wealthy usurer who preys on the misfortunes of others. This transformation illustrates the corrupting influence of wealth and the moral compromises that people make in its pursuit.
• Tom's Ostentatious Religiousity: In his old age, Tom becomes increasingly fearful of the Devil coming to claim his soul. He attempts to cheat the Devil by becoming ostentatiously religious, attending church regularly and praying loudly. However, his hypocrisy is revealed when he impatiently forecloses on a mortgage, sealing his fate.
• The Devil's Claim: The Devil ultimately claims Tom's soul, carrying him off on a black horse in a dramatic and terrifying scene. This event serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of hypocrisy and the ultimate consequences of making a deal with the Devil.

Literary Techniques at Play

Irving masterfully employs various literary techniques to enhance the story's impact:

• Satire: Irving uses satire to critique the social and economic values of his time, exposing the hypocrisy and greed that underlie the pursuit of wealth.
• Irony: The story is rife with irony, as Tom attempts to cheat the Devil while simultaneously becoming a symbol of moral corruption.
• Symbolism: The swamp, the buried treasure, and the Devil himself are all symbols that contribute to the story's overall meaning and themes.
• Foreshadowing: The story contains subtle clues that foreshadow Tom's eventual demise, creating a sense of suspense and dread.

Exploring the Story's Themes and Motifs

"The Devil and Tom Walker" explores several key themes that remain relevant to contemporary society.

The Corrupting Power of Greed

The most prominent theme is the corrupting power of greed. Tom Walker and his wife are both driven by an insatiable desire for wealth, which ultimately leads to their downfall. The story suggests that the pursuit of wealth at the expense of one's morals can have devastating consequences.

Hypocrisy and Religious Deceit

The story also critiques hypocrisy and religious deceit. Tom Walker attempts to cheat the Devil by feigning religious piety, but his true nature is revealed through his actions. This theme highlights the dangers of superficial religiosity and the importance of genuine faith.

The Nature of Good and Evil

The story explores the nature of good and evil, presenting the Devil as a tangible force that preys on human weaknesses. The Devil's presence serves as a reminder of the moral choices that people face and the consequences of choosing evil over good.

Social Commentary

Irving uses the story to offer social commentary on the economic practices of his time, particularly usury. Tom Walker's profession as a usurer is depicted as exploitative and morally reprehensible, highlighting the social inequalities that arise from unchecked greed.

Analyzing the Story's Enduring Relevance

"The Devil and Tom Walker" continues to resonate with readers today because of its timeless themes and insightful commentary on human nature. The story's exploration of greed, hypocrisy, and the consequences of moral compromise remains relevant in a world still grappling with economic inequality and ethical dilemmas.

Parallels to Modern Society

The story's themes can be seen in contemporary issues such as corporate greed, political corruption, and the pursuit of wealth at all costs. The characters of Tom Walker and the Devil serve as cautionary figures, reminding us of the dangers of prioritizing material gain over ethical considerations.

The Story's Place in American Literature

"The Devil and Tom Walker" is considered a significant work of American literature, representing a key moment in the development of the short story genre. Irving's use of folklore, satire, and symbolism helped to establish a distinctly American literary voice and paved the way for future generations of writers.

Frequently Asked Questions about "The Devil and Tom Walker"

To further clarify aspects of the story, let's address some frequently asked questions:

Q: What is the main conflict in "The Devil and Tom Walker?"

A: The main conflict is Tom Walker's internal struggle between his greed and his conscience, as well as his external conflict with the Devil over the terms of their bargain.

Q: What does the swamp symbolize in the story?

A: The swamp symbolizes moral decay, hidden dangers, and the treacherous path that Tom Walker follows in his pursuit of wealth.

Q: What is the significance of Captain Kidd's treasure?

A: Captain Kidd's treasure represents the illicit origins of wealth and the inherent corruption associated with ill-gotten gains.

Q: How does Irving use humor in "The Devil and Tom Walker?"

A: Irving uses humor through satire and irony to critique the social and economic values of his time, exposing the hypocrisy and greed that underlie the pursuit of wealth.

Q: What is the moral of the story?

A: The moral of the story is that greed and hypocrisy lead to ruin and that making deals with the Devil always comes at a terrible price.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of a Cautionary Tale

"The Devil and Tom Walker" is a compelling and thought-provoking story that explores the dark side of human nature. Through its vivid characters, haunting atmosphere, and timeless themes, the story continues to resonate with readers, reminding us of the importance of integrity, morality, and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. Washington Irving's masterful blend of folklore, satire, and symbolism has created a lasting work of American literature that serves as a cautionary tale for generations to come. By understanding the story's nuances and complexities, we can gain valuable insights into the human condition and the enduring struggle between good and evil. The story's exploration of greed, hypocrisy, and the consequences of moral compromise remains relevant in a world still grappling with economic inequality and ethical dilemmas.