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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. Why does the narrator say that Tom starts criticizing his neighbors?

2. What does Tom notice about the tallest trees in the swamp?

3. Why does the devil say that he has a right to cut wood on this land?

4. How does Tom treat his most needy clients?

5. Why does Tom Walker originally go into the swamp?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the details of the plants and animals in the swamp, and what do they signify?

2. How does Tom treat his horses, and what does this illustrate about his character?

3. Describe the setting where Tom meets the devil.

4. How does Tom's wife react to his news, and what is his response to her?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the function of having Tom's wealth reduced to nothing at the end of the story? Write an essay in which you take a position on the meaning of this choice--be sure to consider the exact ways in which is wealth is destroyed as you develop your claim, and be sure to offer textual support for your ideas.

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

Investigate the multiple traditional uses of savin trees as a literary symbol. Write an essay in which you explain which uses Irving probably had in mind and which uses are unlikely to be intended as a part of "The Devil and Tom Walker." Be sure to offer textual support for your claims.

(see the answer keys)

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