The Devil and Tom Walker Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is 'The Devil in Tom Walker'?

A poem

A play

Irving's first short story (correct)

A novel

Who was Washington Irving named after?

President George Washington

What was Washington Irving known for?

American fictional writer to earn international acclaim

What does satire mean?

Making fun of Signup and view all the answers

What satirical work did Washington Irving write?

A History of New York from the beginning of the world to the end of the Dutch dynasty Signup and view all the answers

What theme is 'The Devil and Tom Walker' based on?

The theme of immorality and destructiveness of greed Signup and view all the answers

What is the moral of the story?

Short cuts hurt you in the long run Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom's desire for material wealth lead him to do?

Sell his soul to the devil Signup and view all the answers

What is a universal theme found in the story?

Extreme desire for material wealth often leads to sin Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom's lack of reverence and faith lead him to believe?

That he can outsmart the devil Signup and view all the answers

What does the second universal theme suggest?

When people are arrogant, they may think they are impregnable to evil Signup and view all the answers

What is a stereotype in literature?

A fixed, generalized idea about a character or situation Signup and view all the answers

What does the character Tom represent?

Typical, greedy, get-rich quick kind of man Signup and view all the answers

What character does Tom's wife represent?

Typical, cranky, bossy, demanding wife Signup and view all the answers

What do both Tom and his wife represent?

Stock (stereotypical characters) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when characters are described as flat?

One-dimensional Signup and view all the answers

What does static refer to in character development?

Does not change Signup and view all the answers

What does round mean in character development?

Multi-dimensional Signup and view all the answers

What does dynamic refer to in character development?

Changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?

A greedy man sells his soul to the devil in exchange for wealth Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the story?

Around the year 1727, Massachusetts, forest close to Boston Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical picture of the devil in the story?

Covered in soot, red eyes, lurking in the forest Signup and view all the answers

How does folklore establish a theme in the story?

Explanation of greed and its effects Signup and view all the answers

What elements contribute to a humorous tone in the story?

Fairytale like qualities Signup and view all the answers

What folkloric elements are present in the story?

Includes superstition about The Indians, hearsay, stock characters Signup and view all the answers

What do trees symbolize in the story?

Sinners who 'sold soul' to the devil Signup and view all the answers

What do skulls symbolize?

Foreshadowing death Signup and view all the answers

What do horses symbolize?

The decaying of society Signup and view all the answers

What does the swamp symbolize?

Showing what happens when you choose evil Signup and view all the answers

What does Walker's home symbolize?

We need to take care of ourselves Signup and view all the answers

What does fire symbolize?

Destruction, you lose everything Signup and view all the answers

Who says, 'Let us get hold of the property...'

Tom Signup and view all the answers

What does 'she must have died game' mean?

Doesn't feel remorse Signup and view all the answers

What does 'the devil take me if I have made a farthing' mean?

Got rich off using people Signup and view all the answers

What is a farthing?

A penny Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the Bible left under the mortgage?

It symbolizes the morality he has foreclosed Signup and view all the answers

What does abolitionist sentiment suggest?

Not even Tom will agree to trade slaves Signup and view all the answers

How does usury abuse the poor?

Takes advantage of people Signup and view all the answers

What does Old Fort represent?

Irving mocks the superstitions people had about The Indians Signup and view all the answers

What does the American Dream entail?

The desire to enjoy freedom and prosperity can lead to greed and spiritual enslavement Signup and view all the answers

What literary movement does this short story showcase?

Romanticism Signup and view all the answers

What are romantic elements used in the story?

Folk, tale, legend, and superstition Signup and view all the answers

What does the emphasis on imagination vs reason represent?

Romantic elements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Washington Irving and "The Devil and Tom Walker"

"The Devil and Tom Walker" is Washington Irving's first short story.
Irving was named after President George Washington.
Washington Irving was the first American fictional writer to gain international recognition.

Literary Themes and Morals

The narrative explores themes of immorality and the destructiveness of greed.
The moral presents the idea that shortcuts lead to long-term harm.
Extreme desire for material wealth often leads to sin and moral downfall.

Character Analysis

Tom Walker represents the typical greedy man pursuing quick riches.
Tom's wife embodies the stereotype of a cranky, demanding spouse.
Both characters are stock figures representing common traits in society.

Literary Elements

Satire is used throughout to critique societal norms and attitudes.
The story contains humorous elements with fairy tale-like qualities and folklore.
Symbolism is evident, with trees representing sinners who made deals with the devil.

Symbolism in the Narrative

Forest setting is mysterious and dark, indicative of danger and moral ambiguity.
Skulls symbolize foreshadowing of death, highlighting the story's dark themes.
Horses symbolize societal decay, reflecting the consequences of greed and neglect.
The swamp illustrates the negative outcomes of choosing evil paths.
Fire represents destruction and the loss of everything one holds dear.
Tom's home symbolizes self-care and personal responsibility.

Key Quotes and Their Implications

"Let us get hold of the property..." reveals Tom's pragmatic approach to life, prioritizing wealth over relationships.
"She must have died game" indicates Tom's lack of remorse or emotional depth regarding his wife's fate.
"The devil take me if I have made a farthing" reflects his unscrupulous ways of acquiring wealth.

Abolitionist sentiment is noted, as even Tom refuses to trade slaves, showcasing moral complexities.
The narrative critiques usury and the exploitation of the poor.
The story mocks superstitions surrounding Native Americans, depicting them in a humorous light.

Romanticism and Folklore

The story embodies elements of Romanticism through its focus on imagination and sentiment.
Folk tales, legends, and superstitions are woven into the narrative structure.
Romantic elements emphasize the conflict between imagination and reason.

Influence on the American Dream

The desire for freedom and prosperity is explored, suggesting it can lead to greed and spiritual enslavement.
The story exemplifies the pitfalls of unbridled ambition and the quest for wealth, warning against moral compromise.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of Washington Irving's classic short story, 'The Devil and Tom Walker,' with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts, definitions, and important figures related to the story, making it a great study aid for students seeking to understand its themes and context.