Analyzing 'The Devil and Tom Walker': A Deep Dive
Washington Irving’s "The Devil and Tom Walker" is a cornerstone of American literature, a tale that blends folklore, satire, and moral allegory. Published in 1824, it critiques the burgeoning materialism and lingering Puritanical ethos of early America. This analysis will explore the story's central themes, character development, symbolic elements, and its enduring relevance. We will examine how Irving uses the classic Faustian bargain narrative to comment on societal hypocrisy, the corrupting nature of greed, and the consequences of moral compromise.
Thesis Statement and Argument
The central argument of "The Devil and Tom Walker" is that unchecked avarice, exacerbated by societal hypocrisy, inevitably leads to spiritual and moral damnation. Irving posits that the rigid, often superficial, religiosity of Puritan society creates fertile ground for the Devil’s influence, as individuals prioritize material gain over genuine ethical conduct. Tom Walker serves as the archetypal figure corrupted by this environment, demonstrating that the "deal with darkness" is not merely a supernatural transaction but a descent into moral bankruptcy facilitated by societal pressures and personal failings.
The Faustian Bargain: Theme of Greed
At its heart, the story is a modern retelling of the Faust legend, where a protagonist makes a pact with the Devil for personal gain. Tom Walker’s motivation is pure, unadulterated greed. He lives a miserly existence with his equally avaricious wife, and their primary concern is accumulating wealth. The treasure offered by Old Scratch is not just wealth; it represents freedom from their meager circumstances and the power to indulge their deepest desires. Irving uses Tom’s character to satirize the growing materialism of American society. Tom’s willingness to sell his soul for gold highlights the perceived value system where earthly riches are prized above eternal salvation. Even after securing the treasure, Tom’s greed doesn't abate; he becomes a ruthless usurer, preying on the misfortunes of others, thus perpetuating the cycle of avarice. His attempt to cheat the Devil by becoming a zealous churchgoer in his later years is a poignant, ironic commentary on how superficial displays of piety can mask a fundamentally corrupt core.
Critique of Puritan Society and Hypocrisy
Irving’s narrative offers a sharp critique of the Puritanical society of colonial New England. While outwardly presenting a facade of strict religious observance and moral rectitude, the story suggests that this society harbored deep-seated hypocrisy, greed, and cruelty. The setting itself—the "dark and tangled wilderness," the "black forest," and the "swamp"—symbolizes the moral decay hidden beneath the surface of civilized life. Tom’s wife, a character driven by an even fiercer avarice than Tom, embodies this hypocrisy. Her ill-fated journey into the swamp to strike her own deal with the Devil, armed with a poker and a hatchet, is a darkly comic illustration of the lengths to which people would go for wealth, even within a supposedly devout community. The story implies that the Devil thrives not by tempting the inherently wicked, but by exploiting the moral compromises and hidden desires within a society that outwardly condemns such behavior. The townsfolk’s reliance on Tom’s usurious services, even while condemning him, further illustrates this societal complicity and hypocrisy.
Symbolism and Folklore
The story is rich with symbolic meaning and draws heavily on American folklore. The "black man" (Old Scratch) is a figure rooted in European and Native American demonology, representing the embodiment of evil and temptation. His physical description—red hair, red eyes, carrying an axe—evokes images of a fierce, primal force. The "great swamp" is a potent symbol of moral ambiguity and spiritual peril, a place where boundaries blur and damnation is a tangible threat. The "old Indian fort" where Tom first meets the Devil alludes to the historical conflicts and superstitions of the era, grounding the supernatural encounter in a specific, mythologized past. The treasure itself, buried by the pirate Captain Kidd, symbolizes ill-gotten gains and the transient nature of wealth obtained through illicit means. Tom’s Bible, which he carries in his later years, becomes a symbol of his desperate, albeit superficial, attempt to ward off the Devil and secure his salvation, highlighting the irony of using religious artifacts as a shield against the consequences of his actions.
Characterization of Tom Walker
Tom Walker is not presented as a sympathetic protagonist. He is depicted as "a tall, gaunt man, with a hard, determined look on his countenance." His meanness and miserliness are established early on, making his pact with the Devil seem less a fall from grace and more a logical extension of his character. Irving deliberately makes Tom unlikable to emphasize the story’s moral lesson: that such a character, driven solely by greed, is ripe for damnation. Tom’s transformation after his pact is not one of moral growth but of increased ruthlessness. He becomes a feared figure, his wealth a testament to his infernal deal. His eventual demise is swift and absolute, serving as a stark warning. Even his final act of piety—carrying a Bible—is presented with suspicion, suggesting it was a last-ditch effort to cheat the Devil rather than a genuine act of repentance.
Tone and Narrative Style
Irving employs a distinctive narrative tone that is both satirical and cautionary. He often adopts a seemingly objective, almost detached, voice while subtly injecting humor and irony into his descriptions. For instance, his description of Tom and his wife "living together in a forlorn-looking house, that stood alone on a barren spur of the hills" and their shared "miserable" existence sets a darkly humorous stage. The narrator’s occasional asides, such as commenting on the "great storm" that coincided with Tom’s encounter with the Devil, add to the folkloric and supernatural atmosphere. This blend of wry observation and gothic elements makes the story engaging while effectively conveying its moral message. The use of hyperbole, particularly in describing Tom's greed and the Devil's appearance, further enhances the satirical effect.
Revision Opportunities and Further Analysis
When revising an essay on "The Devil and Tom Walker," consider deepening the analysis of specific symbols. For example, explore the significance of the "haggard white horse" the Devil rides, or the specific types of people Tom preys upon as usurer. Another avenue for revision could be to compare Irving’s portrayal of the Devil with other literary depictions, such as Marlowe’s Mephistopheles or Goethe’s Mephistopheles, to highlight unique aspects of Irving’s Americanized demon. Further analysis could also focus on the story’s reception and its place within the broader context of American Romanticism, examining how it reflects anxieties about industrialization, capitalism, and the loss of traditional values. Ensure your essay maintains a consistent focus on your thesis, with smooth transitions between paragraphs that logically develop your argument. Avoid simply summarizing plot points; instead, focus on how Irving uses plot, character, and symbol to convey his message.
- Does your essay clearly state a thesis about the story's critique of society or themes?
- Have you provided specific textual evidence (quotes or paraphrases) to support each claim?
- Does your analysis go beyond plot summary to explore the meaning of symbols, characters, and events?
- Have you discussed the role of greed and hypocrisy in the story?
- Is the critique of Puritan society adequately addressed?
- Are the narrative tone and style (satire, irony) analyzed?
- Does your essay have a logical structure with clear topic sentences and transitions?
- Have you considered the folkloric elements and their significance?
- Does your conclusion effectively summarize your argument and offer a final thought on the story's relevance?
Irving masterfully employs the "great swamp" as a pervasive symbol of moral decay and spiritual peril. This "dark and tangled wilderness" is not merely a physical location but a representation of the moral quagmire in which Tom Walker and his wife are ensnared. The treacherous terrain, filled with hidden dangers and obscured paths, mirrors the deceptive nature of the Devil's bargains and the difficulty of navigating a life compromised by avarice. When Tom’s wife ventures into the swamp to meet Old Scratch, she enters a landscape that reflects her own corrupted desires. The swamp’s oppressive atmosphere, coupled with the presence of the Devil, underscores the idea that such environments are breeding grounds for sin and damnation. Consequently, the swamp becomes a tangible manifestation of the characters' inner corruption, a place where the boundary between the natural and supernatural, and indeed between good and evil, is perilously thin.