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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is said to have been present when the treasure was buried?

2. How does Tom treat his most needy clients?

3. What is Tom's first mistake on his last day?

4. Where is the pirate treasure buried?

5. What is the third thing that Tom does in an attempt to escape his bargain?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Tom and the devil negotiate about before striking a bargain, and what is the bargain they strike?

2. What implicit racism is there in the description of the fort that once stood in the swamp?

3. What is similar about Tom's fancy house and his religious behavior?

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

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

6. The devil lists several of his own nicknames for Tom; what pattern can be seen in these names, and what is its significance?

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

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

9. What things does the devil say he supervises on earth?

10. What does Tom do with his money and what does it show about his personality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you analyze the symbol of the Bible buried beneath the stack of mortgage papers; be sure to consider more than just this one moment in the story and think of how it speaks to something larger than just Tom's behavior. 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

Why is it important for Irving to describe Tom Walker's house and horses both before and after Tom makes his bargain with the devil? Write an essay in which you explain the thematic function of these images. Be sure to offer textual support for your claims.

(see the answer keys)

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