Irving, Washington: 1783-1859

The Devil and Tom Walker, 1824 - Before Reading

Before reading the book it helps to understand a few key ideas, themes, and historical contexts.
- 1. Faustian Bargain (Deal with the Devil)
  This is the central concept of the story.
  - A Faustian bargain means trading your soul (or morals) for wealth, power, or success.
  - Tom Walker makes a deal with the Devil for treasure.
  Example: If someone cheats or lies to become rich quickly, knowing it’s wrong but doing it anyway, that mirrors Tom’s decision.
- 2. Puritan & Religious Influence
  The story is set in New England, influenced by strict Puritan beliefs about sin and punishment.
  - People believed strongly in the Devil, hell, and moral judgment.
  - Sin (like greed) leads to eternal punishment.
  Example: Tom becomes outwardly religious later—but only to avoid damnation, not because he truly changes.
- 3. Satire & Irony
  Irving uses humor and irony to criticize society.
  - Satire = making fun of human flaws (especially greed and hypocrisy).
  - Irony = when the outcome is the opposite of what you expect.
  Example: Tom becomes a “pious” churchgoer—but he’s secretly corrupt and greedy. That’s ironic and satirical.
- 4. Greed as a Theme
  Greed drives nearly every action in the story.
  - Tom and his wife both care more about money than anything else.
  - Their greed leads to their downfall.
  Example: Tom refuses to help others financially, even after becoming wealthy, showing extreme selfishness.
- 5. Folklore & Supernatural Elements
  The story feels like a legend or moral tale.
  - Devil appears as a real character (“Old Scratch”).
  - There are haunted swamps, hidden treasure, and curses.
  Example: The setting (dark forest/swamp) symbolizes danger and moral confusion.
- 6. Historical Context: Early American Capitalism
  The story reflects attitudes toward money and banking in early America.
  - Tom becomes a usurer (someone who lends money at very high interest).
  - Irving criticizes greedy financial practices.
  Example: Tom profits off people’s desperation, showing how wealth can corrupt.
- 7. Moral Lesson (Allegory)
  The story works like a warning.
  - It teaches that greed and dishonesty lead to ruin.
  - Appearances (like fake religion) don’t save you.
  Example: Even though Tom tries to act religious later, he cannot escape the consequences of his earlier deal.
- 8. Character Archetypes
  Understanding the characters helps:
  - Tom Walker → greedy, selfish, morally weak
  - Tom’s wife → even more aggressive and greedy
  - The Devil (Old Scratch) → tempter and punisher
  Example: Tom’s wife tries to make her own deal with the Devil—showing extreme ambition and greed.
- 9. Quick Summary Before You Read
  Think of the story as:
  A dark, humorous warning about what happens when greed, hypocrisy, and bad moral choices take control.