Comparing Romanticism In The Devil And Tom Walker

Romanticism in literature explores the inner nature of man. Another

key element is that of the supernatural. Both are found in “The Devil

and Tom Walker”. The Devil and Tom Walker” shows that greed can

have unforeseen consequences. Tom struggles with his greed and

ambition. He has a weakness for easy wealth. He struggles with his life

with his wife, who is just as greedy as Tom. They lived in a forlorn-

looking house that stood alone and had an air of starvation. A few

straggling saving trees, “emblems of sterility” grew near it; no smoke

ever circled from its chimney, no traveler stopped at its door. The

“emblem of sterility” stands for the lack of love between Tom and his

wife. Tom and his wife are living in a “forlorn”

and struggling

relationship. They are constantly fighting. They are so miserly and

greedy they conspire to cheat each other.

One day, Tom takes a short

cut home through the swamps. The Old Fort is located here, where

buried treasure is supposed to be. Tom finds a skull with a tomahawk

buried in it. The skull shows greed and destruction of the colonists that

conquered the land. “Let that skull alone” a voice said. The voice is that

of the devil better known as Old Scratch. Tom lifts is eyes and beholds a

great black man. He face is grimed with soot. Stocks of course black

hair stood out from his head in all directions. He bore an ax on his

shoulder. He had great red eyes. The dark imagery of the devil points

to the darkness of evil, hell, and sin. He rides a black horse. The devil is

manipulative and cunning. He promises Tom great wealth. All he has to

do is sell his soul to the devil. Tom’s desire for wealth leads him to sell

his soul to the devil. This introduces the supernatural element into the

story. Tom tells his wife of is experience with Old Scratch. Later, he sees

her walking with her apron tied up. In it were the silver teapots and

spoons along with other valuables from the house. She tries to make

her own deal with the devil. She is gone for several days before

Tom

even starts looking for her. He finally sees a piece of her apron with the

bundle tied in a tree. A great vulture is perched close by. His wife is

dead because she wants more money. Her greed caused her death. He

leaps with joy saying, “Let us get hold of the property and we will

endeavor to do without the woman.” This shows Tom’s greed and

selfishness.

He does not care that his wife is gone. He only cares about

the household valuables. The devil tells Tom to become a money-

lender to gain wealth and riches for the two of them. Tom acts like a

“friend in need” to his clients. However he forecloses on the mortgage

of a land speculator, who Tom says he is great friends with. “My family

will be ruined and brought upon the parish”. Tom replies, “Charity

begins at home. I must take care of myself in these hard times.” “The

devil take me if I have made a farthing.” Again Tom showing he cares

for no one but himself. He is only concerned about his wealth and

riches. Tom loses his life because he tries to outwit the devil. He begins

going to church and carries a Bible everywhere. He reads the Bible with

green glasses. Green is the symbol for greed. He reads the Bible, but all

he sees in the green of money. The only reason Tom is reading the Bible

is to help him avoid the devil, not for religious purposes. He is never out

of the darkness, which symbolizes the devil’s influence on Tom.

Now

Tom has become as bad as the devil. He’s a liar, a cheat, and a miser.

He has no chance of redemption. He calls for the devil to come and

take him. Tom hears three knocks at the door. It is the devil. He has

come to collect Tom’s soul. As Tom opens the door, the devil grabs him

and puts him on a black horse. Tom is swept away on the horse toward

the Indian burial grounds. The forest was set ablaze. His wealth and

belongings are gone. He is never heard from again.