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 to the devil for treasure. Furthermore, Tom’s greed shows in his actions, such as his refusal to adequately feed his horses in order to save money, or his refusal to furnish his house completely, even when he is wealthy. Tom meets his end because of his greed. He is taken by the devil when he refuses to acknowledge that he had made enough money from a customer. Through Tom's greed and fate, Irving condemns avarice and the careers of usurers, suggesting that their work is not only corrupt but also sinful.
Expert Q&A
What happened to Tom's money, horses, and house in the end?
In the end, all of Tom's wealth, including his money, horses, and house, is destroyed. His financial assets are reduced to ashes, his horses become skeletons, and his house burns down. This destruction occurs after the devil takes Tom away, symbolizing the consequences of his greed. The narrative suggests that Tom's material possessions, like his soul, are obliterated, reinforcing the story's moral that excessive greed leads to complete ruin.
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