Introduction
"The Devil and Tom Walker" is a short story by Washington Irving, first published in 1824 as part of his collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. This narrative is a quintessential American folk tale that explores themes of greed, moral corruption, and the consequences of making deals with evil forces. Set against the backdrop of early 18th-century New England, the story uses allegory and symbolism to critique societal values and human nature. This comprehensive summary delves into the plot, characters, themes, and moral lessons of the story, providing a detailed overview for readers interested in American literature and folklore.
Plot Summary
Introduction to the Protagonists and Setting
The story begins with the introduction of Tom Walker, a miserly and greedy man living in Boston. He is described as a man of little moral character, who is also somewhat superstitious. Tom's wife, equally greedy and unscrupulous, is a domineering woman who shares his avarice. The setting is a remote, wooded area near Boston, where the story’s supernatural elements unfold.
The Encounter with the Devil
One day, Tom and his wife venture into the forest to look for hidden treasure rumored to be buried there. While exploring, Tom encounters a sinister figure — the Devil, who appears in the guise of a black man. The Devil offers Tom a deal: he will give Tom a treasure if Tom agrees to become his agent and take on a life of greed and corruption. Tom, driven by greed and the desire for wealth, agrees without fully contemplating the consequences.
The Deal and Its Aftermath
The Devil's pact is sealed with a handshake, and Tom is granted access to the buried treasure. However, Tom’s wife, also eager for wealth, tries to negotiate for her share. She eventually ventures into the forest alone to meet the Devil but never returns; her disappearance signifies her own downfall.
Tom, now wealthy, becomes increasingly obsessed with accumulating more riches. Despite warnings from his conscience and moral considerations, Tom continues to indulge in greed. He begins to attend church regularly, ostensibly to seek salvation, but also to appear pious and avoid damnation.
Tom’s Transformation and Moral Decline
As Tom’s wealth grows, so does his hypocrisy. He becomes a usurer, lending money at exorbitant interest rates, and shows no regard for morality or kindness. His outward religiosity contrasts starkly with his greed-driven actions, illustrating his moral duplicity.
Over time, Tom becomes increasingly anxious about the consequences of his deal with the Devil. He tries to escape his fate by turning to religion, carrying a Bible and praying fervently in church. However, his efforts are superficial, and his greed ultimately condemns him.
The Story’s Climax and Ending
The climax comes when Tom’s life of greed and hypocrisy reaches its zenith. The Devil appears to claim his due, especially since Tom has become a usurer and a sinner. Recognizing that his soul is forfeit, Tom desperately tries to bargain with the Devil, offering to become a miserly, anti-Christian man to avoid damnation.
But the Devil is unyielding. As the story concludes, Tom is taken away by the Devil, disappearing into the darkness. His house burns down mysteriously, symbolizing the destruction of his moral integrity. The story ends with a moral lesson on the dangers of greed and moral corruption, warning readers about the perils of making deals with evil and the importance of virtue.
Characters in the Story
Tom Walker
- A miserly, greedy man who makes a pact with the Devil.
- Represents human greed and moral blindness.
- His hypocrisy and obsession with wealth lead to his downfall.
Tom’s Wife
- A fierce, greedy woman who is equally unscrupulous.
- Her desire for wealth leads her to seek out the Devil herself.
- Her disappearance signifies her own ruin.
The Devil
- A sinister, supernatural figure offering deals to greedy individuals.
- Embodies evil, temptation, and moral corruption.
- Serves as a moral arbiter in the story, punishing greed.
Themes and Symbolism
Greed and Materialism
- The story criticizes the destructive nature of greed.
- Characters are willing to sacrifice morals for wealth.
- The story warns against valuing material possessions over spiritual well-being.
Dealings with Evil
- The pact with the Devil symbolizes moral compromise.
- The story demonstrates that such deals lead to destruction and damnation.
Hypocrisy and Moral Decay
- Tom’s outward religiosity contrasts with his immoral actions.
- The narrative exposes the hypocrisy of those who pretend to be virtuous.
Symbolism
- The Dark Forest: Represents the realm of evil and temptation.
- The Treasure: Symbolizes greed and the corrupting power of wealth.
- Tom’s House: Its destruction signifies moral and spiritual ruin.
- The Bible: Represents superficial religiosity used as a shield against guilt.
Lessons and Moral Messages
- Greed leads to ruin: The story illustrates that insatiable greed can result in moral decay and ultimate destruction.
- Superficial piety is hollow: Tom’s reliance on religious appearances fails to save him from his sins.
- Beware of immoral bargains: Making deals with evil forces can have dire consequences.
- Moral integrity is vital: True virtue and moral uprightness are essential for salvation.
Conclusion
"The Devil and Tom Walker" remains a powerful allegory warning against greed and moral compromise. Washington Irving masterfully employs folklore, symbolism, and irony to craft a story that is both entertaining and instructive. The tale urges readers to reflect on their values and the dangers of materialism, emphasizing that moral virtue is more valuable than worldly riches. Its enduring relevance continues to resonate, making it a staple of American literary heritage and a timeless moral lesson about the perils of greed and the importance of integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?
The main theme is greed and moral corruption, illustrating how greed can lead to self-destruction and spiritual ruin.
Who are the main characters in 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?
The main characters are Tom Walker, his wife, and the Devil, who appears as a sinister figure offering a Faustian bargain.
What is the significance of the devil's bargain in the story?
The bargain symbolizes the temptation of greed and the consequences of making morally corrupt choices for personal gain.
How does the story reflect Puritan values and American folklore?
The story incorporates Puritan themes of morality and sin, while also drawing on American folklore's use of supernatural elements and moral lessons.
What happens to Tom Walker at the end of the story?
Tom becomes a usurer and a miser, and ultimately, he is taken by the devil, symbolizing the destructive nature of greed.
What is the role of the setting in 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?
The dark, wooded swamp setting creates an eerie atmosphere that emphasizes the story’s themes of temptation and moral decay.
Why is 'The Devil and Tom Walker' considered a critique of greed and materialism?
The story warns that greed can lead to spiritual downfall and that valuing material wealth over morality has destructive consequences.
