Q. What motivates Tom to meet with the devil?
What motivates Tom’s wife to meet with the Devil? Tom’s greediness is so powerful that he is now willing to bargain with the devil, since he will not have to share any resulting riches with his wife.
Q. What is Tom doing when the devil comes for him?
What was Tom doing on the day the devil came for him? He was in his office in his white linen cap and gown, about to foreclose on a mortgage. The man was begging for more time but Tom wouldn’t give him more time.
Q. What does Tom agree for the Devil?
What agreement does Tom Walker ultimately make with the devil? Tom agrees to sell his soul to the Devil in exchange for the pirate’s treasure, which he will use in his role as a money lender in the Devil’s service. Tom now regrets his bargain and hopes that religious zeal will protect him from the Devil.
Q. What does Tom find as evidence that his wife has died?
Walker decides to go and make the deal herself. When she doesn’t return home, Tom goes to look for her. When he finds her apron, Tom is overjoyed. He believes that his personal property will be found in the apron, but all he finds is his wife’s heart and liver.
Q. What point is Irving making when he states that all that was found in Tom Walker’s coffers were cinders chips and shavings?
What point do you think the author is making when he writes that all that was found in Tom Walker’s coffers were cinders, chips, and shavings? Either ill-gotten gain is meaningless, or the point that all wealth and gain are meaningless after you are dead.
Q. How are Tom and his wife alike?
Tom Walker and his wife are both miserable, greedy individuals, who enjoy arguing and upsetting each other. Tom’s wife is described as being a termagant woman, who continually hides valuables from her husband. The most prominent character trait that the two characters share throughout the story is their avarice.
Q. Why does Tom begin to feel an affinity for the Devil?
Why does Tom begin to feel an affinity for the Devil? He is relieved that his wife is gone. He realizes the Devil is his only friend. He thinks the Devil is misunderstood.
Q. How does Tom’s wife react to hearing about the devil’s bargain?
How does Tom’s wife react to hearing about the devil’s bargain? She reveals she was Old Scratch all along. She tells him to be careful, it is dangerous. She goes off to accept it herself.
Q. What happens to Tom’s wife?
Tom’s wife decides to go the Indian fort to try to strike her own deal. She disappears. The most likely story is that she fought with the Devil and he killed her. All that was found of her was he heart and liver tied up in her apron.
