The Devil And Tom Walker Archetype Essay

Similar in many ways, every story read has a lesson learned at the end. For instance, Ebeneezer Scrooge is one of the wealthiest men in town, but his greed and grumpy attitude causes him to encounter the three ghosts of Christmas, that change his personality into a more loving and caring man. Without a doubt, Mr. Scrooge is an example of a character that changes throughout the story for the better. In other words, he is an archetype. An archetype is a prototype or model. Literary characters are often given archetypes the represent particular human traits, like purity, greed, or heroism. In the story “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving, Mr. Irving writes a story about a greedy elderly man who encounters a Devil and makes a deal …show more content…
Wanting everything for himself, Tom doesn’t even share with his wife. For instance, Tom set out to find the legendary lost treasure of Kidd the Pirate but instead found himself face to face with the Devil. As explained in the story, “Under one of these gigantic trees, according to old stories, there was a great amount of treasure buried by Kidd the pirate.” (Irving 1). Tom being the crotchety person he is, talks to Old Scratch and later realizes that he is the Devil. Without a doubt, Tom is not easily fooled and requests for proof, “”What proof have I that all you have been telling me is true?" said Tom. "There is my signature," said the black man, pressing his finger on Tom's forehead.”” (Irving 1). Not only does Old Scratch catch the attention of Tom but also convinces him into a deal he knows Tom won't be able to resist. With the deal, Old Scratch purposes wealth in exchange for Toms soul. Without hesitation, Tom accepts the offer and goes home to tell his wife to tell her about his encounter with the Devil. Not only is Tom an acquisitive old man but his wife is just as desperate for wealth and knowledge as he is. When Tom told his wife about his encounter with the Devil, she harasses