English 3: The Devil and Tom Walker Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What tone is the author trying to set in the beginning of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?

The author is trying to set a tone that suggests Captain Kidd hurried the treasure there but couldn't get back to it because he was hung.

Does Irving use direct or indirect characterization to describe the character of Tom's wife?

He uses direct characterization.

How do Tom and his wife treat each other, showing their level of selfishness?

They cheat on each other and hide things from each other.

Does Irving use direct or indirect characterization in revealing the character of the devil?

This is indirect characterization. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom feel about the disappearance of his wife?

Tom is not concerned about his wife being missing because he worries about the missing property. Signup and view all the answers

What does the vocabulary word 'treacherous' mean in the context of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?

It means unsafe and dangerous. Signup and view all the answers

What does the lack of a name for Tom's wife suggest about the attitudes towards women during the Puritan period?

It suggests that women had no status. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom's statement, 'Your grounds!...no more your grounds than mine;' reveal about his character?

It reveals he is brave and reflects indirect characterization. Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms set by Tom in proportion to the applicant's distress suggest?

It suggests that the more you needed help, the harder he made it; this is indirect characterization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the spectator's statement about Tom making money say about Tom?

It suggests he is greedy and shows indirect characterization. Signup and view all the answers

What is conveyed about people's attitudes toward money in the early 1700s?

People wanted to invest cheaply and make fast and easy money. Signup and view all the answers

What beliefs did the Boston Puritans hold regarding supernatural beings?

They believed in witches, goblins, and the devil and were not surprised by creatures of a supernatural nature. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Background of Captain Kidd

Captain Kidd buried treasure in the forest, unable to retrieve it due to his execution.
Sets a tone that suggests money is ultimately worthless if not attainable.

Characterization of Tom's Wife

Direct characterization reveals Tom's wife through specific adjectives.
Gives insight into her personality and nature.

Selfishness of Tom and His Wife

Tom and his wife engage in cheating and deception towards each other.
They prioritize personal gain and wealth over their relationship.

Characterization of the Devil

Indirect characterization is used through listing the evil deeds of the devil.
Reveals aspects of the devil's character without explicitly labeling him as bad.

Tom's Reaction to His Wife's Disappearance

Tom shows indifference towards his wife's missing status, focused instead on lost property.
Highlights materialistic values over personal relationships.

Vocabulary Context Clues

"Treachery" is inferred to mean unsafe and dangerous.
Context clues help deduce the meaning from surrounding text.

Attitudes Towards Women in Puritan Society

Tom's wife remains nameless, indicating a lack of status for women during that time.
Reflects the societal views and roles of women in Puritan culture.

Tom’s Brave Characterization

Quote demonstrates Tom's courage in confronting the devil.
Characterization is indirect, as it shows behavior rather than stating traits.

Tom’s Hardness Toward Applicants

Quote illustrates Tom's greed and harshness towards others in need.
Indirect characterization highlights his growing moral decline.

Tom's Greed

Quote emphasizes Tom's selfishness and greed in financial dealings.
Indirect characterization reveals his priorities in business over ethics.

Attitudes Towards Money in the 1700s

People sought quick and easy profits, often at the expense of ethical practices.
Reflective of the era's materialistic attitudes towards wealth.

Puritan Beliefs in the Supernatural

Beliefs included witches, goblins, and the devil, illustrating a culture steeped in superstition.
Puritans were desensitized to supernatural occurrences, showing their normalization of fear.

Description

Explore key concepts and vocabulary from 'The Devil and Tom Walker' by Washington Irving. These flashcards delve into the background of Captain Kidd's treasure and its implications in the story. Perfect for reinforcing understanding and insights into the text.