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

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...

14 educator answers

The Devil and Tom Walker

The trees in “The Devil and Tom Walker” symbolize unrepentant sinners who are condemned to hell if they don't see the error of their ways. Old Scratch shows Tom the trees in the forest that appear to...

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The Devil and Tom Walker

In "The Devil and Tom Walker," the devil cutting down trees for firewood symbolizes the souls of men. Each tree bears the name of a person, representing individuals whose souls are claimed by the...

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The Devil and Tom Walker

In "The Devil and Tom Walker," the woodsman, who is the devil known as Old Scratch, marks trees with the names of community members who have sold their souls to him in exchange for wealth. These...

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The Devil and Tom Walker

Deacon Peabody is damned according to the Devil because he focuses on judging others' sins while neglecting his own, exhibiting hypocrisy. This is symbolized by a tree representing him, which appears...

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