View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is William Kidd?

2. Whose clothing does the devil's clothing resemble?

3. When Tom opens the apron, what does he find inside?

4. What does the narrator say that savin trees symbolize?

5. To what does the narrator compare the sound of Tom's carriage wheels?

Short Essay Questions

1. Before Tom and the devil part, how does the devil seal his side of the bargain and what does this allude to?

2. What does Tom believe happened to his wife, and why, and how does he feel about it?

3. Describe the setting where Tom meets the devil.

4. Who is the guardian of William Kidd's treasure, and why?

5. What is the implication of the conversation between the devil and Tom about the ownership of the swamp land?

6. What natural event happens in the area in 1727, and what is its thematic significance?

7. Why is the death of Absolom Crowninshield announced as the death of a great man in Israel when he actually died in Massachusetts?

8. What does Tom believe is in the apron, and how does he feel when he sees it?

9. How does Tom ultimately slip up and get captured by the devil?

10. What are Tom Walker's first house and property like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Tom finally asks, aloud, for the devil to come and take him, it is seemingly an accident, just some poorly chosen words. Write an essay in which you defend the idea that actually, these words are a perfect encapsulation of Tom Walker's behavior throughout his life. Be sure to offer textual support for your claims.

Essay Topic 2

As the story progresses, Tom becomes more like the devil. Write an essay in which you explore the idea that as he does the devil's work on earth, Tom takes on characteristics of the devil. Be sure to offer textual support for your claims.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore the casual racism of Irving's short story "The Devil and Daniel Walker." Describe the elements of the story that are racist and explain the irony in this racism, given the stand that Irving takes against the slave trade. Be sure to use quoted textual support for your claims.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 917 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample