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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Student Question

What is a usurer in "The Devil and Tom Walker"?

Quick answer:

A usurer is someone who lends money at interest. After selling his soul to the devil, that's precisely what Tom becomes. He amasses an enormous fortune by lending money to the people of the town, but he is never satisfied, because he is afraid of going to hell.

Expert Answers

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For centuries, the practice of usury, or lending money at interest, was either frowned upon or, in some cases, forbidden altogether in the Christian West. Even when tolerated, it was not thought to be an acceptable occupation for a self-respecting Christian.

As Tom Walker cannot reasonably be described as a self-respecting Christian, then he seems the ideal person to make a living as a professional moneylender. Having signed away his soul to the devil, he's in a position where he can engage in the kind of activities normally looked down upon by decent, God-fearing people. Before long, Tom has become very successful at his job, amassing a huge fortune into the bargain. He also gains a reputation for driving very hard bargains in business. This is a man notorious for being a ruthless businessman, always determined to get what he wants.

Despite his enormous success, however, Tom isn't happy. In fact, his life is hobbled by an almost constant fear that his soul will be damned. Tom can't enjoy his substantial riches, because he's constantly preoccupied with the fear of going to hell. Worried though he may be, Tom cannot change his ways, and so it is no surprise when the devil comes to take him away.

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