Podcast
Questions and Answers
What tone is the author trying to set in the beginning of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?
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?
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?
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?
Does Irving use direct or indirect characterization in revealing the character of the devil?
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How does Tom feel about the disappearance of his wife?
How does Tom feel about the disappearance of his wife?
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What does the vocabulary word 'treacherous' mean in the context of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?
What does the vocabulary word 'treacherous' mean in the context of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?
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What does the lack of a name for Tom's wife suggest about the attitudes towards women during the Puritan period?
What does the lack of a name for Tom's wife suggest about the attitudes towards women during the Puritan period?
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What does Tom's statement, 'Your grounds!...no more your grounds than mine;' reveal about his character?
What does Tom's statement, 'Your grounds!...no more your grounds than mine;' reveal about his character?
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What do the terms set by Tom in proportion to the applicant's distress suggest?
What do the terms set by Tom in proportion to the applicant's distress suggest?
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What does the spectator's statement about Tom making money say about Tom?
What does the spectator's statement about Tom making money say about Tom?
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What is conveyed about people's attitudes toward money in the early 1700s?
What is conveyed about people's attitudes toward money in the early 1700s?
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What beliefs did the Boston Puritans hold regarding supernatural beings?
What beliefs did the Boston Puritans hold regarding supernatural beings?
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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.
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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.
