The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving
Context: Early 19th century story set in colonial times
Concept: greed, usury, materialism, evil punished
Literary Merit: Classic; among earliest American short stories
About the Selection
Set in colonial Massachusetts, this story is a humorous tale of the consequences of a miser’s pact with the Devil. Tight-fisted Tom Walker meets the Devil in a swampy forest and, tempted by the prospect of untold wealth, eventually enters into a deal with him. Riches make Walker greedier, as he begins a campaign to fleece his neighbors of their property. Later in life, Tom begins to fear for his mortal soul and reforms. As rigid in his piety as he was in his avarice, he is still unable to stave off the inevitable when the Devil returns to collect.
Reading Strategy
1. Evaluate the influences of the historical period on characters plot, and setting by identifying elements of the story that reflect an excessive concern for wealth in 1720s New England.
a. Note two characters who are driven by a desire for wealth.
b. Note at least one setting that demonstrates characters’ concerns for the appearance of wealth.
c. Explain how the plot as a whole can be seen as an exploration of the dangers of excessive concern for wealth.
2. Does Irving effectively criticize this attitude? Cite details to support your evaluation.
3. a. What does the story reveal about social attitudes toward Native Americans among New Englanders of European background in the 1720s?
b. Does Irving criticize these views? Cite story details to illustrate your thoughts.
4. Use the chart below to record dialogue, thoughts, actions, and other details that help reveal the key traits of Tom’s personality.
Evidence for trait #1Characterization is the creation and development of a character. Indirect characterization is when the writer reveals a character’s personality through the character’s speech, thoughts, actions, appearance, and other characters’ reaction.
Evidence for trait # 2List 4 Key Traits of Tom’s Personality
Evidence for trait # 3What do these examples of indirect characterization show to be Tom’s chief personality traits?
Evidence for trait # 4