Satire in the devil and tom walker – Satire in “The Devil and Tom Walker” is a poignant tale that explores the dangers of greed, ambition, and superstition through the lens of a Faustian bargain.
The story follows Tom Walker, a miserly farmer who makes a pact with the devil to gain wealth and power. As Tom’s greed grows, so does his downfall, leading to a chilling end that serves as a cautionary tale against the pursuit of material desires at any cost.
The Devil’s Character and Appearance
The Devil in Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker” is a complex and enigmatic figure. He is both charming and sinister, alluring and terrifying. His physical appearance reflects this duality, as he is both handsome and grotesque.
Charming and Sinister
The Devil is described as having “a tall figure, with a slight stoop in his shoulders, as if he were carrying a heavy burden.” His face is “handsome, with a high forehead and a keen, intelligent eye,” but his “mouth was thin and his lips were drawn back in a perpetual sneer.”
This combination of features gives him an air of both charm and menace.
Physical Appearance
The Devil’s physical appearance is also significant in that it reflects his nature. His tall stature and stooped shoulders suggest that he is both powerful and burdened. His handsome face and intelligent eyes make him attractive, but his thin lips and perpetual sneer hint at his sinister nature.
Name: “Old Scratch”
The Devil’s name, “Old Scratch,” is also significant. The word “scratch” is often used to refer to the Devil’s claws, and it is also a slang term for money. This suggests that the Devil is both a tempter and a destroyer, and that he is interested in both souls and wealth.
Tom Walker’s Greed and Ambition
Tom Walker is a man driven by an insatiable greed and ambition. His motivations stem from a deep-seated desire for wealth and power. Throughout the story, his greed and ambition lead him to make increasingly reckless and immoral decisions, ultimately culminating in his downfall.
The Devil’s Bargain, Satire in the devil and tom walker
Tom’s greed is evident in his willingness to make a pact with the devil. He is so desperate for wealth that he is willing to risk his soul for it. The devil offers him the treasure of Captain Kidd, and Tom accepts without hesitation.
This decision demonstrates the extent of Tom’s greed and his willingness to do anything to achieve his desires.
Materialistic Desires
Tom’s ambition is not limited to wealth alone. He also desires power and status. The treasure chest becomes a symbol of his materialistic desires. It represents his obsession with wealth and his belief that it can bring him happiness and fulfillment.
However, as the story progresses, Tom realizes that the treasure chest only brings him misery and unhappiness.
Downfall
Tom’s greed and ambition ultimately lead to his downfall. His obsession with the treasure chest consumes him, and he becomes isolated from his family and friends. He is unable to enjoy the wealth he has acquired, and he is constantly haunted by the fear of losing it.
In the end, Tom’s greed and ambition destroy him, both physically and spiritually.
The Use of Satire in the Story
Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker” is a classic example of satire, a literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to criticize human flaws and societal norms. Irving employs satire throughout the story to expose the greed, hypocrisy, and superstition that pervade human nature.
Satire of Human Greed
The story’s central theme is greed, and Irving satirizes this human failing through the character of Tom Walker. Tom is a miserly man who is willing to sell his soul to the devil for wealth. Irving portrays Tom’s greed as both absurd and destructive, showing how it leads to his downfall.
Satire of Hypocrisy
Irving also satirizes hypocrisy, particularly the way people claim to be pious while engaging in sinful behavior. This is evident in the character of Deacon Peabody, who is a prominent member of the church but is secretly a usurer and a thief.
Irving’s portrayal of Peabody highlights the disconnect between people’s outward appearance and their true nature.
Satire of Superstition
Finally, Irving satirizes superstition, the belief in supernatural beings and events without rational evidence. The story is set in a time when people were deeply superstitious, and Irving uses this to poke fun at their irrational fears and beliefs. The character of the devil is a symbol of superstition, and Irving’s depiction of him as a comical figure undermines the fear and awe that people associated with the supernatural.
Use of Irony and Exaggeration
Irving uses irony and exaggeration to enhance the satirical tone of the story. For example, he ironically describes Tom Walker as a “pious man” despite his greed and hypocrisy. Irving also exaggerates the devil’s powers and the consequences of Tom’s actions to create a sense of absurdity that highlights the story’s satirical message.
The Supernatural Elements in the Story: Satire In The Devil And Tom Walker
The supernatural plays a pivotal role in “The Devil and Tom Walker.” The devil’s pact with Tom is a central plot device that drives the story’s events and themes. Through this pact, the devil grants Tom wealth and success in exchange for his soul.
The pact symbolizes the corrupting influence of greed and ambition, leading to Tom’s ultimate downfall.
The Devil’s Pact
The devil’s pact is a classic literary device used to explore the dangers of temptation and the consequences of moral compromise. In this story, the pact reflects Tom’s insatiable greed and his willingness to sacrifice his integrity for material gain.
The devil’s tempting offer is a metaphor for the allure of quick and easy riches, which can ultimately lead to spiritual ruin.
Folklore and Superstition
The story is steeped in folklore and superstition, which contribute to its eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The legend of the pirate’s treasure, the haunted swamp, and the devil’s appearance are all elements that create a sense of mystery and the supernatural.
These elements enhance the story’s tone, making it both captivating and cautionary.
The Historical and Cultural Context of the Story
Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker” was written in the early 19th century, a time of significant social and economic change in the United States. The story reflects the beliefs and values of the time period, particularly the Puritan ethic of hard work and thrift.
Puritan Beliefs and Values
- Puritans believed that material success was a sign of God’s favor.
- They also believed that greed and ambition were sins that could lead to damnation.
Tom Walker’s greed and ambition are the driving forces behind his decision to make a deal with the devil. He is willing to sacrifice his soul in order to gain wealth and status.
Social and Economic Conditions
- The early 19th century was a time of rapid economic growth in the United States.
- Many people were eager to make their fortunes, and some were willing to do whatever it took to succeed.
Tom Walker’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and ambition. It warns against the temptation to take shortcuts to success, and it reminds readers that material wealth is not the most important thing in life.
Literary Devices and Techniques
Washington Irving employs a range of literary devices and techniques in “The Devil and Tom Walker” to enhance the story’s mood, atmosphere, and overall impact. These devices contribute to the tale’s richness and complexity, adding depth and resonance to the narrative.
Foreshadowing
Irving uses foreshadowing throughout the story to create a sense of anticipation and unease. For instance, the narrator’s early description of the Devil’s Footprints as “the prints of a horse’s hoof curiously shaped” hints at the Devil’s supernatural nature and foreshadows his eventual appearance.
Symbolism
The story is replete with symbolism. The Devil’s Footprints represent the temptation of evil and the consequences of greed. The swamp, where Tom Walker encounters the Devil, symbolizes a place of moral decay and corruption. The treasure chest, which ultimately becomes Tom’s downfall, represents the allure of material wealth and its corrupting influence.
Allegory
On a deeper level, “The Devil and Tom Walker” can be read as an allegory about the dangers of greed and the consequences of selling one’s soul. Tom Walker’s journey represents the human struggle against temptation and the ultimate price of pursuing material gain at the expense of moral integrity.
Themes and Meanings of the Story
Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker” is a cautionary tale that explores the dangers of greed, ambition, and superstition. Through the story of Tom Walker, a miserly man who makes a pact with the devil, Irving conveys a timeless message about the corrosive effects of these vices.
The Dangers of Greed and Ambition
Greed and ambition are the driving forces behind Tom Walker’s actions. He is consumed by a desire for wealth and power, and he is willing to do anything to achieve his goals. His greed leads him to make a pact with the devil, and his ambition blinds him to the consequences of his actions.
The Dangers of Superstition
Superstition also plays a significant role in the story. Tom Walker is a superstitious man, and he believes in the power of the supernatural. His superstition leads him to believe that he can make a pact with the devil and get away with it.
However, he soon learns that the devil is not to be trusted, and his superstition ultimately leads to his downfall.
The Timeless Relevance of the Story
“The Devil and Tom Walker” is a story that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. The dangers of greed, ambition, and superstition are still very real, and the story serves as a warning against these vices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the devil’s name, “Old Scratch”?
The name “Old Scratch” reflects the devil’s cunning and deceptive nature. It suggests that he is an old and experienced trickster who delights in causing mischief and tempting mortals with promises of wealth and power.
How does the story satirize human greed?
The story satirizes human greed through the character of Tom Walker. Tom’s insatiable desire for wealth leads him to make a pact with the devil, ultimately resulting in his downfall. The story highlights the folly of pursuing material possessions at the expense of one’s soul.
What is the role of the supernatural in the story?
The supernatural plays a central role in the story, with the devil serving as a catalyst for Tom’s downfall. The pact between Tom and the devil represents the dangers of temptation and the consequences of making deals with evil forces.
