Setting and Symbolism in 'The Devil and Tom Walker'

Washington Irving’s short story “The Devil and Tom Walker” explores the theme of outward appearances versus inner realities, a concept that resonates deeply in today’s society. Through the character of Tom Walker, Irving delves into the complexities of human nature, revealing how individuals often present themselves as virtuous while harboring selfish and greedy intentions. This duality is exemplified in the setting and symbolism of the woods surrounding Tom’s home, which serve as a reflection of both his character and those within his community. In this analysis, I will examine how Irving employs the symbolism of trees to illustrate moral decay, greed, and hypocrisy in human behavior.

The Symbolism of Trees

In “The Devil and Tom Walker,” trees serve as a potent symbol of moral corruption. When Tom encounters the devil in the swamp, he observes that while the trees appear beautiful on the outside, they are hollow and rotten within. As Irving writes, “They were fair and flourishing without, but rotten to the core” (Irving 205). This imagery highlights a critical theme: just as these trees have been hollowed out by time and neglect, so too have many individuals in society been corrupted by their greed. The lush exterior represents societal expectations—individuals who seem respectable but are morally bankrupt at their core.

The Swamp: A Dark Reflection

The setting of the swamp further emphasizes this theme of darkness masked by superficial beauty. Described as “thickly grown with great gloomy pines and hemlocks,” it creates an ominous atmosphere that mirrors Tom’s own internal struggles (Irving). The swamp becomes a metaphor for moral ambiguity; its dense foliage obscures what lies beneath—a fitting representation for those who hide their true selves behind facades. While many may perceive themselves or others as thriving based solely on outward appearances, it is essential to recognize that such beauty can often conceal deep-rooted corruption.

Deacon Peabody: The Hypocrisy Within

A significant character illustrating this hypocrisy is Deacon Peabody, a respected figure within his community whose actions betray his moral standing. The devil remarks about Deacon Peabody's sins being more numerous than those of his neighbors: “Look more to his own sins and less to those of his neighbor” (Irving). Despite holding a position of authority in a religious community, Peabody engages in unethical dealings with Native Americans—actions that tarnish his reputation yet remain hidden from public view.

This duality culminates when Tom Walker discovers Deacon Peabody’s name carved into one of the swamp's trees. It symbolizes not only Peabody's greed but also serves as an indictment against societal norms that allow individuals like him to thrive despite their unethical behavior. In essence, both Tom Walker and Deacon Peabody embody society's propensity to overlook genuine morality in favor of appearances—an idea central to Irving’s narrative.

The Moral Decay Represented by Nature

Furthermore, throughout "The Devil and Tom Walker," nature itself plays an integral role in highlighting humanity's failings. As mentioned earlier, these hollowed trees reflect not only individual characters like Tom but also serve as broader representations of societal values corrupted by avarice. As various characters strive for wealth through dubious means—including engaging with forces beyond their comprehension—they become akin to these decaying trees; they may flourish externally but are ultimately hollow within.

Conclusion: Greed Unveiled

In conclusion, Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker” offers profound insights into human nature through its rich symbolism surrounding trees and natural settings. By contrasting outer beauty with inner rot—both in terms of physical appearance and moral integrity—Irvine critiques societal values centered around wealth accumulation at any cost. Ultimately, "The Devil and Tom Walker" serves as a cautionary tale about succumbing to temptation while highlighting how greed can lead not only to personal downfall but also contribute to collective moral decay within communities.

Works Cited

1. Irving, Washington. "The Devil and Tom Walker." Edited by Beverly Ann Chin et al., McGraw Hill Education, 2002.