Washington Irving is an author that is known for his unique way of delivering messages to the reader. He primarily gives a strong signal to his audience in the short story called, "The Devil and Tom Walker." Through this short story, he expresses the value of life through a character by the name of Tom Walker. Throughout the story, it is said multiple times that Tom and his wife have an extremely miserable life together and that they are a lower class, slipshod type of family. Irving talks about the particular circumstance that Tom and his wife are living their lives haphazardly as if they have absolutely nothing to lose. Indisputably, taking a shortcut in this instance for Tom, no matter what the circumstance, was, in his opinion, an
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This quote is a sterling example of extreme symbolism because its significance represents an easy way through life. Tom meets the Devil in the swamp who offers him a deal that will make him rich with money that was formerly Kidd the Pirate 's fortune. Tom does not make the deal with the devil at this point because of his fear that his wife will benefit from the riches. His wife set out to speak with the devil and on the second visit, she will be slaughtered as explained, "…set out to the swamp. She never returned"(233). Tom 's wife has been killed due to his actions of taking a shortcut. Furthermore, Tom still does not see his mistake because he is captivated and overjoyed that his wife is gone. The death of Tom 's wife foreshadows the expiration of his own. Irving says, "So they shook hands and struck a bargain"(236). The reader can foretell at this point that the shortcut Tom has taken will transform his life for the worst. The Devil in the story is portrayed as a supernatural being that consequently allows Irving to instill fear and uneasiness to the reader. All at once, the reader is extremely focused on the devil, who is compelled to ruin Tom 's existence. Irving continues to show the evil and mythical significance of the demon which …show more content…
The first time that the two of them meet, Tom noticed all of the trees had names of people that were just like him inside. All of those people have died or were on the verge of death. A foreshadowing element is inserted at this moment that allows the reader to believe that Tom 's name will one day be on a tree trunk. The foreshadowing continued when Tom started thinking that the Devil will wind up getting his way. All of the questions are answered at the end of the story for Mr. Tom Walker. It started when Irving says in the story, "Just then there were three loud knocks at the street door"(238). The reader assumes that the thing knocking at the door is the devil. The Devil takes Tom Walker on a horseback to the forest. The most unrealistic element in the story takes place at this moment, but it strengthens the message. A lightning bolt hits the forest where the Devil brought Tom Walker, and it can be assumed that it struck and killed Mr. Walker. Irving finished with the unrealistic element that brings the story together. This unrealistic element firmly connects with the reader through the original message. If Tom did not take the shortcut, he would still be
This quote is a sterling example of extreme symbolism because its significance represents an easy way through life. Tom meets the Devil in the swamp who offers him a deal that will make him rich with money that was formerly Kidd the Pirate 's fortune. Tom does not make the deal with the devil at this point because of his fear that his wife will benefit from the riches. His wife set out to speak with the devil and on the second visit, she will be slaughtered as explained, "…set out to the swamp. She never returned"(233). Tom 's wife has been killed due to his actions of taking a shortcut. Furthermore, Tom still does not see his mistake because he is captivated and overjoyed that his wife is gone. The death of Tom 's wife foreshadows the expiration of his own. Irving says, "So they shook hands and struck a bargain"(236). The reader can foretell at this point that the shortcut Tom has taken will transform his life for the worst. The Devil in the story is portrayed as a supernatural being that consequently allows Irving to instill fear and uneasiness to the reader. All at once, the reader is extremely focused on the devil, who is compelled to ruin Tom 's existence. Irving continues to show the evil and mythical significance of the demon which …show more content…
The first time that the two of them meet, Tom noticed all of the trees had names of people that were just like him inside. All of those people have died or were on the verge of death. A foreshadowing element is inserted at this moment that allows the reader to believe that Tom 's name will one day be on a tree trunk. The foreshadowing continued when Tom started thinking that the Devil will wind up getting his way. All of the questions are answered at the end of the story for Mr. Tom Walker. It started when Irving says in the story, "Just then there were three loud knocks at the street door"(238). The reader assumes that the thing knocking at the door is the devil. The Devil takes Tom Walker on a horseback to the forest. The most unrealistic element in the story takes place at this moment, but it strengthens the message. A lightning bolt hits the forest where the Devil brought Tom Walker, and it can be assumed that it struck and killed Mr. Walker. Irving finished with the unrealistic element that brings the story together. This unrealistic element firmly connects with the reader through the original message. If Tom did not take the shortcut, he would still be