Irving, Washington: 1783-1859
The Devil and Tom Walker, 1824 - Chapter Summaries
- The chapters are grouped into manageable sections.
- Part 1. Tom Walker and His Wife
Tom Walker lives in New England with his miserly and argumentative wife. The couple constantly quarrels and cares more about money than about one another. Their home is unhappy, and neither spouse shows much kindness or affection. One day, Tom takes a shortcut through a swamp near an old Native American fort, where he encounters a mysterious black figure known as Old Scratch, who is the Devil. - Part 2. Tom Meets the Devil
Old Scratch reveals that he guards buried treasure and offers Tom access to wealth in exchange for a bargain. The Devil also explains that he has made similar deals with other people who gained riches through questionable or immoral actions. Tom initially considers the offer but refuses to accept it immediately. When Tom returns home, he discovers that his wife has disappeared after apparently going to negotiate with the Devil herself. - Part 3. Tom Makes His Bargain
After his wife disappears, Tom searches for her and finds evidence of a struggle, but he does not show much sadness over her fate. He eventually decides to accept the Devil’s offer because he wants to become rich. However, Tom refuses to use the money to support piracy or other particularly cruel activities, so he and the Devil negotiate the terms of their agreement. Tom finally agrees to become a moneylender, using the Devil’s treasure to establish his fortune. - Part 4. Tom Becomes a Wealthy Moneylender
Tom becomes a successful moneylender and grows rich by charging desperate borrowers high interest rates. He treats his customers harshly and shows little sympathy for people who cannot repay their debts. Although he has gained the wealth he wanted, Tom remains miserly and continues to worry about losing his money. His growing fortune brings him social status, but it does not make him a kinder or happier person. - Part 5: Tom Becomes Religious
As Tom grows older, he begins to fear that the Devil will eventually claim him as payment for their bargain. He becomes extremely religious and attends church regularly, hoping to protect himself from damnation. However, Tom does not genuinely abandon his greed, and he continues to exploit others financially. He even keeps a Bible on his desk while conducting dishonest business, demonstrating that his religious behavior is mainly motivated by fear rather than true repentance. - Part 6: The Devil Collects His Debt
One day, Tom angrily threatens a borrower who cannot repay his debt, declaring that the man must suffer even if he is ruined. Old Scratch appears and reminds Tom that their agreement is due. Tom realizes that he has forgotten to protect himself by keeping his Bible close at hand, and he rushes to find it, but it is too late. The Devil carries Tom away on a black horse, leaving behind his property and wealth, which soon disappear or lose their value. The story ends with a warning that greed and moral corruption ultimately lead to ruin.