The Devil And Tom Walker: Human Intent And The Aftermath Of It

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comically
presents the results of valuing the dollar above all else." This story does a
very good job of conveying a message to the reader about human values.
In the story Tom is seen as a very self-centered man who cares only for
himself and his own well being. He is not even phased when he discovers the
remains of his wife hanging in a apron in a tree; "Tom consoled himself for the
loss of his property with the loss of his wife" (132). Tom is portrayed in
the story as being typical of many of the citizens who lived in the town, many
of who's names Old Scratch had carved into the bark of a tree near the Indian
Fort. When the devil shows Tom a tree for a greedy townsperson, he fails to see
that he is very much like that tree when he "looked in the direction that the
stranger pointed and beheld one of the great trees, fair and flourishing without,
but rotten at the core" (130).
As time passes after Tom has made his deal with the devil, and he is
working as a ...

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summarized
Tom's actions by noting that "...the tale clearly satirizes those who make a
public show of devotion while retaining meanness of spirit".
Irving does a very good job of demonstrating the ill consequences that can
and most likely will be a result of man's lack of caring, and possibly ignorance.
Had Tom Walker thought upon the deal more thoroughly, instead of jumping right
into it, he most likely would not have suffered the terrible outcome of the deal.
If he had realized that the wealth that he would achieve would be useless to
him in the end, he would probably be living in his old house, unhappy and
without a wife, but at least he would have had his dignity, for he ...

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