logo

23 pages 46 minutes read

Washington Irving

The Devil And Tom Walker

Washington IrvingFiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1824

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

Irving created the plot of “The Devil and Tom Walker” by combining various traditional motifs, yet he takes pains to make the story appear to be an old American legend. How does Irving do this and why? Does his choosing to remain “invisible” as the author make the story more or less effective?

2.

Many of Irving’s folktales (e.g., “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”) center on New York state, while “The Devil and Tom Walker” is set in Puritan New England. Why did Irving choose this setting, and do you think it is necessary to the tale?

3.

Discuss the marriage of Tom and his wife. Do they deserve each other? Of the two, is one more morally corrupt than the other?

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 23 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,500+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools