Question

here are textual references and examples from “the devil and tom walker” by washington irving that support the prompt:
prompt: how does tom walker’s characterization throughout the story serve as a warning against greed and moral corruption? support your argument with specific examples from the text.

1. tom’s miserly nature and greedy marriage

“they lived in a forlorn - looking house that stood alone and had an air of starvation. a miserable horse, whose ribs were as articulate as the bars of a gridiron, stalked about the field.

1. tom’s encounter with the devil and his temptation

“you shall open a broker’s shop in boston next month,” said the black man. “i’ll do it tomorrow, if you wish,” said tom walker.”

1. hypocrisy and false repentance

“tom became, therefore, all of a sudden, a violent churchgoer. he prayed loudly and strenuously as if heaven were to be taken by force of lungs.”

1. symbolism of greed and moral corruption

“he had his horse new shod, saddled, bridled, and buried with his feet uppermost; for he supposed that at the last day the world would be turned upside down, and then he should escape on horseback.”

1. the final consequence

“the black man whisked him like a child astride the horse, and away galloped tom walker in his nightcap, and his wife’s apron, off to the old indian fort; and he was never seen again.”

Explanation:

Tom's miserly nature (living in a forlorn house with a miserable horse) shows his greed. His quick agreement to the Devil's deal (opening a broker's shop) reveals his moral corruption. His false repentance (loud church - going) is hypocrisy. The symbolism of his horse burial (expecting to escape judgment) emphasizes his greed. The final consequence (taken by the Devil) warns of the end of such behavior.

Answer:

Tom Walker's characterization serves as a warning. His miserly living shows greed. Quick deal with the Devil shows moral corruption. False repentance is hypocrisy. Horse burial symbolism emphasizes greed. Final consequence (taken by Devil) shows the end.