illustrated outline of a person's head with a red thumbprint on the forehead with an outline of the devil behind

The Devil and Tom Walker

by Washington Irving

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The Devil and Tom Walker

Satire in "The Devil and Tom Walker" includes Irving's allusion to the Great Awakening, mocking the superficial repentance of sinners. He also subtly critiques racism by describing the devil in a way...

5 educator answers

The Devil and Tom Walker

In Washington Irving's "The Devil and Tom Walker," the setting plays a crucial role in establishing the supernatural elements of the story. Set in early 18th-century New England, near Boston, the...

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The Devil and Tom Walker

In "The Devil and Tom Walker," the stranger is known by various names, including "Old Scratch," a common term for the devil. He introduces himself to Tom as the "Wild Huntsman," the "Black Miner,"...

3 educator answers

The Devil and Tom Walker

The archetype in "The Devil and Tom Walker" is the Faustian bargain. This archetype involves making a deal with the devil, promising wealth or power in exchange for one's soul or morality, ultimately...

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The Devil and Tom Walker

"The Devil and Tom Walker" by Washington Irving explores themes of greed, moral corruption, and the transient nature of material wealth. The transformations in the story, such as wealth turning to...

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The Devil and Tom Walker

The Devil is claiming to be the "grandmaster of witches" because he was responsible for the witch trials in Salem. The Devil's claim to being a "grandmaster of witches" is significant because it...

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