The Devil and Tom Walker Themes
The main themes in "The Devil and Tom Walker" are greed, corruption, and misery.
- Greed: Tom's greed is his downfall, and his repentance at the end of the story does not change his fate.
- Corruption: As soon as Tom accepts Old Scratch's deal, he spends the rest of his life miserable and alone, corrupted by his greed.
- Misery: Tom and his wife are described as an unhappy couple. When Tom's wife dies, Tom experiences a momentary sense of happiness. However, once he accepts the devil's offer, he is left miserable again. Ultimately, Tom learns that money cannot buy happiness.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: Power and Moral Corruption
Wealthy and powerful men, such as Deacon Peabody and Absalom Crowninshield, are examples of those who have become morally corrupt from power. In the swamp, the devil names trees after them and scores their trees with his axe. When these people become fully corrupted, the devil cuts down the tree and burns it. This is an allegory for the fate of all of those who have become so corrupted by their power that their fate is death and torment in hell.
(Read more)Themes: Greed
The consequences of greed are exhibited throughout “The Devil and Tom Walker” in the actions of Tom and his wife. Tom’s greed is insatiable and insurmountable, causing him much misery since he is never satisfied with what he has. His wife, too, is affected by greed and lives in conflict with Tom over money and ownership. They both risk their lives for monetary gain; Tom’s wife is killed by the devil for her greedy efforts, and Tom sells his soul...
(Read more)Themes: Superstition
The power of superstition can be seen in the people’s suspicion about the swamp within “The Devil and Tom Walker” and the resolution of the story. People stay away from the swamp out of fear of the evil spirit the indians had raised, believing the swamp to be a dangerous place because of it. Tom meets the evil spirit, or the devil, in the swamp. Instead of sharing the superstitious fear others possess, Tom makes a deal with the devil. He sells...
(Read more)Themes: Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is a central theme in "The Devil and Tom Walker." The story explores the duplicity of individuals who present a virtuous facade while harboring evil intentions. Through the character of Tom Walker, Washington Irving critiques the superficial nature of societal righteousness and the moral corruption that lies beneath.
Tom Walker's hypocrisy is most evident in his religious conversion. After making a deal with the Devil, Tom becomes a...
(Read more)Themes: Religion
In "The Devil and Tom Walker," religion is portrayed as a superficial and self-serving tool used by the protagonist, Tom Walker, to escape the consequences of his pact with the devil. Tom's religious conversion is not genuine; it is a desperate attempt to avoid damnation. This theme highlights the hypocrisy and moral corruption that can arise when religion is used for personal gain rather than spiritual growth.
Tom Walker's approach to religion is...
(Read more)Expert Q&A
Themes of the Supernatural and Nature in "The Devil and Tom Walker"
In "The Devil and Tom Walker," Washington Irving uses nature to create a foreboding atmosphere, depicting it as ominous and dangerous. The devil, portrayed as cunning and composed, is involved in historical events like the Salem witch trials and the slave trade, reflecting Irving's critique of American history. Unlike typical portrayals, the devil is strategic, playing hard to get to ensure Tom Walker's soul. Tom and his wife, consumed by greed, embody more traditional devilish traits than Old Scratch himself.
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