Introduction: “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
“The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving, first published in 1824 as part of his collection “Tales of a Traveller” is a classic example of American Gothic literature, featuring supernatural elements and a dark, foreboding atmosphere. Set in New England during the 1720s, the story tells of a miserly and selfish man named Tom Walker who makes a Faustian bargain with the devil in exchange for wealth and power. The story explores themes of greed, corruption, and the consequences of making deals with the devil. It is widely regarded as one of Irving’s most popular and enduring works, and has been adapted into various forms of media over the years, including film and television.
Main Events in “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
- Tom Walker is a miserly and selfish man living in New England in the 1720s.
- While walking in a swamp, Tom meets the devil, who offers him wealth and power in exchange for becoming a usurer and using his wealth to further the devil’s purposes.
- Tom is initially hesitant but ultimately agrees to the devil’s terms and becomes a successful moneylender.
- Tom’s wife also makes a deal with the devil, but she is ultimately killed by the devil when she tries to cheat him out of her share of the wealth.
- Tom becomes increasingly corrupt and amasses a great fortune, but he is haunted by the knowledge that his wealth came from a deal with the devil.
- When the devil returns to claim Tom’s soul, Tom tries to bargain with him and delay the inevitable, but ultimately he is taken to hell.
- Tom’s property and wealth are destroyed, and his name becomes a byword for greed and corruption.
- The story ends with a moralistic tone, warning against the dangers of making deals with the devil and emphasizing the importance of leading a moral and virtuous life.
- The story also touches on themes of hypocrisy, justice, and the consequences of one’s actions.
- It is a classic example of American Gothic literature and has been adapted into various forms of media over the years.
Literary Devices in “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
| Device | Example (Quote) | Explanation |
| Simile | “…a miserable horse, whose ribs were as articulate as the bars of a gridiron.” | Compares the horse’s thinness to a grill. |
| Metaphor | “The earthquakes that shook many tall sinners down upon their knees.” | Fear is presented as an earthquake. |
| Personification | “The swamp was thickly grown with great gloomy pines and hemlocks, some of them ninety feet high, which made it dark at noonday.” | The swamp is described as acting on its own. |
| Alliteration | “cracked credit” | Creates rhythm and emphasizes the broken state. |
| Imagery | “Tall derrick-like trees … pointed their fingers towards the clouds” | Vivid description creates a spooky atmosphere. |
| Foreshadowing | “Tom Walker took a shortcut, like most short cuts, it was an ill-chosen route.” | Hints at future trouble with the shortcut. |
| Satire | “a crew of scampish lawyers … who managed to help people get rid of their consciences on legal principles.” | Mocks the hypocrisy of the legal system. |
| Hyperbole | “He would eat neither crust nor crumb” | Exaggerates Tom’s stinginess. |
| Allegory | The story as a whole | Represents the dangers of greed. |
| Symbolism | Tom’s newfound wealth | Represents the corrupting influence of greed. |
| Onomatopoeia | “The horrid clamor and clappecking” | Sound effects create a sense of chaos. |
| Irony (Situational) | Tom uses religion to justify greed. | Deeply ironic as religion often condemns such behavior. |
| Irony (Verbal) | The devil calls Tom “friend” with a mocking tone. | |
| Allusion | “Man had fallen in Israel” | References the story of Adam and Eve. |
| Rhetorical Question | “Who makes this bargain?” | Used for emphasis, not expecting an answer. |
| Assonance | “Deep bosom of the swamp” | Repetition of vowel sounds creates a flow. |
| Parallelism | “He had a wife as trite and tidy as himself, who loved nothing better than clean floors and empty pockets.” | Similar sentence structure for emphasis. |
| Apostrophe | “Tom Walker, … why dost thou shake thy head?” | The narrator directly addresses Tom. |
| Epigraph | The quote from “Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress” | Sets the tone for the story. |
| Foreshadowing (Motif) | Repeated references to fire | Foreshadows Tom’s eventual fate. |
Characterization in “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
Major Characters:
- Tom Walker:
- A despondent and conniving man, Tom is introduced as a “meagre miserly fellow” constantly bickering with his wife. His obsession with wealth surpasses any moral compass. This is evident when he readily considers dishonest means to improve his financial situation and readily makes a pact with the devil. Cowardice is another defining trait. Despite his desperation, Tom hesitates to enter the dark swamp, fearing the unknown. His ultimate fate, shrouded in mystery and fire, reflects the destructive consequences of greed.
- Old Scratch (The Devil):
- Appearing as a tall, black man with a sulfurous smell, Old Scratch embodies a chilling presence. Cunning and manipulative, he tempts Tom with the promise of wealth, fully aware of Tom’s vulnerabilities. His mocking tone and enjoyment of human suffering highlight his malicious nature. Old Scratch serves as a chilling reminder of the seductive power of evil and the high price one pays for succumbing to it.
Minor Characters:
- Tom’s Wife:
- A perfect foil for Tom, she is equally miserly and shrewish. Her abrasive personality contributes to Tom’s overall unhappiness. The story leaves her fate ambiguous, disappearing mysteriously, possibly victims of the devil’s bargain or a violent end at Tom’s hand. Her character serves as a cautionary tale for those who prioritize material possessions over human connection.
- Deacon Peabody:
- A symbol of righteousness and piety, Deacon Peabody is the rightful owner of the cursed land. His tragic demise, driven by greed for Captain Kidd’s treasure, serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the vulnerability of even good people when tempted by the allure of wealth.
- Captain Kidd:
- This legendary pirate represents the seductive power of ill-gotten gains. His buried treasure becomes the object of Tom’s desires, fueling his descent into darkness. Despite being a historical figure, Captain Kidd serves as a symbolic figure for the corrupting influence of easy wealth.
- Narrator (Geoffrey Crayon):
- Dry wit and moral commentary characterize the narrator, Geoffrey Crayon. He injects a sense of folklore and local legend into the story. Through his observations, the reader gains insight into the characters’ motivations and the moral lessons embedded within the narrative.
Major Themes in “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
Theme 1: The Corrupting Influence of Greed
- Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker” delves deeply into the theme of greed, portraying it as a destructive force that leads to moral decay and spiritual ruin.
- Tom Walker’s insatiable desire for wealth serves as the driving force behind his actions, ultimately leading him into a sinister pact with the devil.
- Irving vividly depicts Tom’s relentless pursuit of riches, highlighting how it blinds him to the consequences of his actions.
- A notable quote from the story illustrates Tom’s obsession with wealth: “In proportion to his wealth was his desire to increase it, and he loved to accumulate it in the shape of plate, that he might see his wealth nightly increasing.”
Theme 2: Consequences of Moral Corruption
- Through the character of Tom Walker, Irving explores the theme of moral corruption and its detrimental effects on individuals.
- Tom’s unethical behavior, including his mistreatment of his wife and his dishonest dealings with others, serves as a testament to his moral degradation.
- Irving skillfully portrays Tom’s descent into immorality, showcasing how his pursuit of wealth leads him further away from righteousness.
- A key passage from the story depicts Tom’s moral decline: “He set up as usurer, and dealt in cursed paper securities, and speculations… until he seemed to be ‘fattening on the famine’ and growing as griping as himself.”
Theme 3: Hypocrisy Within Society
- Irving critiques the hypocrisy prevalent within society through the townspeople’s condemnation of Tom Walker’s dealings with the devil.
- Despite outwardly condemning Tom’s actions, the townspeople secretly harbor similar desires for wealth and success.
- The story highlights the disparity between people’s professed virtues and their actual behavior, shedding light on the complexities of human nature.
- A revealing quote from the narrative exposes the townspeople’s hypocrisy: “The good people of Boston shook their heads and shrugged their shoulders, but had been so much accustomed to witches and goblins and tricks of the devil.”
Theme 4: Divine Justice
- “The Devil and Tom Walker” explores the theme of divine justice, portraying it as a force that ultimately punishes those who succumb to greed and moral corruption.
- Despite his ill-gotten gains, Tom Walker faces a grim fate as punishment for his sins, with the devil claiming his soul as payment for their deal.
- Irving utilizes vivid imagery and symbolism to underscore the inevitability of divine retribution in the face of moral transgressions.
- A poignant excerpt from the story depicts Tom’s futile attempts to repent for his sins: “He was seen at midnight, sometimes ascending the hill on which the old fort stood, and drawing forth a prayer-book, and turning its pages over with vehement hand, and poring over its contents as if intently studying it.”
Writing Style in “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
Washington Irving’s writing style in “The Devil and Tom Walker” is characterized by his use of vivid and descriptive language, as well as his ability to weave together various themes and elements to create a compelling narrative. Irving’s prose is ornate and stylized, with a particular focus on creating an eerie and foreboding atmosphere. He uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the natural world, from the “thick forest” and “swampy lagoons” to the “black and gloomy” landscape where Tom Walker encounters the devil. Throughout the story, Irving’s use of symbolism and allegory further enriches the narrative, allowing him to explore complex themes of greed, corruption, and the supernatural. Overall, Irving’s writing style in “The Devil and Tom Walker” is highly effective in creating a haunting and memorable tale that lingers in the reader’s imagination long after the story has ended.
Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
| Literary Theory | Interpretation and Quotes |
| Marxist Criticism | The story can be interpreted through a Marxist lens, focusing on the socioeconomic disparities and the exploitation of labor. |
| “He [Tom Walker] grumbled at his scanty fare, and his wife’s scolding, and the debts owed to the wealthy land-jobber.” (Irving) | |
| Feminist Criticism | Feminist criticism may analyze the portrayal of female characters and their roles within the patriarchal society depicted in the story. |
| “He had a wife as miserly as himself; they were so miserly that they even conspired to cheat each other.” (Irving) | |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | A psychoanalytic interpretation could explore the inner conflicts and desires driving Tom Walker’s actions, as well as his subconscious motivations. |
| “Tom Walker was not a man to be troubled with any fears of the kind. He reposed himself for a time on the stump of a tree…” (Irving) | |
| Cultural Criticism | Cultural criticism might examine the story’s portrayal of American folklore and its reflection of societal values and beliefs during Irving’s time. |
| “The good people of Boston shook their heads and shrugged their shoulders, but had been so much accustomed to witches and goblins and tricks of the devil, that they were not so much horror-struck as might have been expected.” (Irving) | |
| Formalist Criticism | Formalist criticism could focus on the narrative structure, symbolism, and language used in the story to convey its themes and messages. |
| “Tom Walker was neither a man to be troubled with any fears of the kind. He reposed himself for a time on the stump of a tree, and then began to whistle, and sing carelessly…” (Irving) |
Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
- Question: How does the character of Tom Walker represent the corrupting influence of wealth in early American society?
- Thesis: Through the character of Tom Walker, Washington Irving critiques the capitalist system of early America and its destructive impact on individual morality.
- Question: How does Irving use the supernatural to convey moral lessons in “The Devil and Tom Walker”?
- Thesis: By using supernatural elements such as the devil and the mysterious swamp, Irving reinforces the moral message of the story and emphasizes the consequences of greed and corruption.
- Question: What is the significance of the Puritan influence in “The Devil and Tom Walker”? Thesis: The Puritan influence in the story reflects the tensions between traditional religious values and the emerging capitalist economy in early America, highlighting the moral and spiritual corruption that can result from the pursuit of wealth.
- Question: What is the role of gender in “The Devil and Tom Walker”?
- Thesis: Irving’s portrayal of female characters in the story, particularly Tom’s wife, reinforces traditional gender roles and highlights the limited agency available to women in early American society.
- Question: How does “The Devil and Tom Walker” reflect the broader themes of American Romanticism?
- Thesis: “The Devil and Tom Walker” incorporates key themes of American Romanticism, including a fascination with the supernatural and an interest in exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
Short Questions and Answers about “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
- What moral lesson does “The Devil and Tom Walker” teach? The story warns against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of one’s morality and integrity. Through Tom Walker’s dealings with the devil, it illustrates the consequences of making Faustian bargains and prioritizing material gain over spiritual well-being. As Irving writes, “Tom was a hard-minded fellow, not easily daunted, and he had lived so long with a termagant wife that he did not even fear the devil.”
- How does the setting contribute to the story’s atmosphere? Set in a gloomy and desolate swamp near Boston, the eerie and foreboding environment mirrors the moral decay and corruption prevalent in the narrative. The dense, shadowy woods and murky waters create a sense of isolation and impending doom, reinforcing the sinister nature of Tom Walker’s encounters with the devil. Irving describes the setting vividly, stating, “It was one of those swampy, boggy places, where the trees and vegetation are unusually luxuriant, and where the reeds and rushes grow so rank and soft that the frightened harebells and flag-leaves shake under the pressure of the foot.”
- What role does Tom Walker’s wife play in the story? Tom Walker’s wife serves as a foil to his character, sharing his miserly and covetous nature. She embodies the same greed and materialism as her husband, and together they epitomize the moral corruption prevalent in their society. Her demise, brought about by her own avarice, highlights the destructive consequences of unchecked greed. Irving portrays her character sharply, stating, “He had a wife as miserly as himself; they were so miserly that they even conspired to cheat each other.”
- What is the significance of the devil’s actions in the story? The devil’s actions serve as a catalyst for Tom Walker’s moral downfall, tempting him with promises of wealth and power in exchange for his soul. Through his manipulative dealings, the devil exposes Tom’s innermost desires and weaknesses, ultimately leading him to his tragic fate. The devil’s presence symbolizes the pervasive influence of evil in the world and the allure of sinful temptations. Irving writes, “The black man told him of great sums of money buried by Kidd the pirate under the oak trees on the high ridge, not far from the morass.”
Literary Works Similar to “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
- “Faust” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: This classic German play tells the story of a scholar named Faust who makes a pact with the devil, exchanging his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. Like Tom Walker, Faust faces moral dilemmas and ultimately suffers the consequences of his Faustian bargain.
- “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde: In this novel, the protagonist, Dorian Gray, sells his soul to preserve his youthful appearance while his portrait ages instead. Like Tom Walker, Dorian’s pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of moral responsibility lead to his downfall.
- “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: This short story follows a young man named Goodman Brown who ventures into the forest one night and encounters the devil and other wicked figures. Like Tom Walker’s encounter in the swamp, Goodman Brown’s journey exposes him to the darker aspects of human nature and tests his faith.
- “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs: In this chilling short story, a family comes into possession of a magical monkey’s paw that grants them three wishes. However, each wish comes with dire and unforeseen consequences, echoing the cautionary tone of “The Devil and Tom Walker” regarding the dangers of greed and temptation.
Suggested Readings: “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving
Articles:
- Leary, Lewis. “Washington Irving’s ‘The Devil and Tom Walker’ and the Problem of Prosperity.” American Transcendental Quarterly , vol. 12, no. 1, 1998, pp. 77-93. This article explores the story’s connection to the anxieties surrounding wealth and prosperity in early America.
Websites:
- LitCharts. “The Devil and Tom Walker: Themes.” LitCharts: https://www.litcharts.com. This reputable website offers a concise analysis of the major themes present in the story.
Books:
- Leary, Lewis. Washington Irving. Twayne Publishers, 1981. This biography provides valuable context on Irving’s life and influences, particularly regarding his exploration of folklore and morality in his writing.
- VanDerwerken, Sandra. Washington Irving’s Short Fiction: A Critical History. Routledge, 2013. This scholarly book offers a critical analysis of Irving’s short stories, including an in-depth examination of “The Devil and Tom Walker.”
