The Devil and Tom Walker

Drawing Conclusions About Author's Portrayal

Irving wrote "The Devil and Tom Walker" when Puritanism was fading and the urge to acquire wealth was growing. How does Irving portray the dark side of both religion and wealth in his story?

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Irving expresses wealth and greed an extension of Christian belief in the Devil. Wealth, however, becomes a corrupting influence on its own. Tom hides behind Christian purity while practicing usury. The idea that "good Christians" could use religion as a guise for evil was not something people readily considered.

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