The Devil And Tom Walker Questions And Answers Pdf
Introduction
The Devil and Tom Walker is a short story written by Washington Irving. It is a cautionary tale about greed and the consequences of making a deal with the devil. The story is set in colonial New England and follows the life of Tom Walker, a miserly moneylender who makes a pact with the devil. The story has been studied extensively in schools and colleges and is available in various formats, including a PDF with questions and answers.
Overview of the Story
The story begins with a description of the setting, which is a forest outside Boston. The narrator describes the forest as a dark and dismal swamp, haunted by evil spirits and witches. It is in this forest that Tom Walker, a miserly moneylender, meets the devil.
The devil offers Tom a deal. In exchange for his soul, the devil promises to make Tom rich beyond his wildest dreams. Tom is hesitant at first, but his greed gets the better of him, and he accepts the deal. Tom becomes extremely wealthy, but his newfound wealth brings him nothing but misery. His wife is just as greedy as he is, and they fight constantly over money. Tom eventually dies, and the devil comes to claim his soul.
Questions and Answers
The Devil and Tom Walker is a complex story that raises many questions. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers:
1. What is the moral of the story?
The moral of the story is that greed leads to downfall. Tom Walker's obsession with money corrupts him and ultimately leads to his demise. The story also cautions against making deals with the devil, as there are always strings attached.
2. What is the significance of the setting?
The setting of the story is significant because it creates a dark and ominous atmosphere that complements the themes of the story. The forest is described as haunted by evil spirits and witches, which foreshadows the devil's appearance. The swampy terrain also adds to the sense of foreboding and danger.
3. What is the devil's motive?
The devil's motive is to claim Tom Walker's soul. The devil preys on Tom's greed and offers him a deal that he knows Tom cannot refuse. The devil is cunning and manipulative, and he uses Tom's desire for wealth to his advantage.
4. What is the significance of Tom's wife?
Tom's wife is just as greedy as he is, and she constantly fights with him over money. She is a symbol of the corruption that comes with wealth and the destructive nature of greed. Her death by the devil's hand is also an indication of the price that must be paid for making a deal with the devil.
5. What is the significance of Tom's death?
Tom's death is a reminder that no one can escape their fate. Tom thought he had outsmarted the devil and cheated him out of his soul. However, the devil uses legal loopholes to make sure that Tom's soul is rightfully his. Tom's death is also a consequence of his own actions, as his greed and selfishness led to his downfall.
Conclusion
The Devil and Tom Walker is a timeless story that explores the dangers of greed and the consequences of making deals with the devil. The story's themes are still relevant today, and it continues to be studied and analyzed in schools and colleges. The PDF with questions and answers is a valuable resource for students who are looking to deepen their understanding of the story.
