SATIRE in “The Devil and Tom Walker”

A Definition

 SATIRE – Literature that exposes in order to ridicule the vices or follies of people or societies.

Satire in the Tall Tale

 The main object of Washington Irving’s satire is greedy people, especially those whose wealth is ill-gotten or gained through the bad luck of others.

 Irving pokes fun at this type of person through his exaggerated characterization of Tom and his wife.

Examples of Exaggeration

 Neither Tom’s nor his wife’s character is believable. Why?

 The wife is so greedy that she hides eggs from her husband.

 Tom is not only eager to trade his soul for wealth, but his greed is greater than even the devil’s.

Other Examples of Tom’s Character That Add a Comic Effect

 Greed – charges more interest than even the devil suggests  Hypocrisy – has sold soul to the devil but criticizes others for being sinful  Miserliness – won’t even spend money to feed horses or grease his wagon wheels

Other Examples of Tom’s Character That Add a Comic Effect (cont.)

 Foolishness – trades peace of mind (and eternity) for wealth  Stubbornness – wants to make a deal with the devil but doesn’t because his wife wants him to