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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. What is one source of trouble in Tom Walker's marriage?

2. What does Tom begin keeping on the desk in his office?

3. How does the devil say the Natives sacrificed a white man to him?

4. What is the reason the narrator gives for Tom not fearing the devil?

5. Why does it take Tom a long time to get through the swamp?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two reasons does the narrator give for Tom's fearlessness in the swamp and upon meeting the devil?

2. Describe the appearance of the devil in this story.

3. What kind of a person is Tom Walker's wife?

4. What is the significance of the devil's comment about Absalom Crowninshield's tree being ready to burn?

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

6. How does the narrator add to the credibility of the story by mentioning the various possible fates of Tom's wife?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the story, Irving mentions a large number of professions. Write an essay in which you explain the pattern behind Irving's treatment of these professions. Which seem to be most openly condemned, which seem to be criticized by implication, and which seem to escape criticism entirely--if any? Be sure to offer textual support for your claims.

Essay Topic 2

What is the implicit point of view about women that this story offers? Consider the descriptions and actions of Tom's wife, the devil's treatment of Tom's wife, and the narrator's comments about women. 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.

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