The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving

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through the setting of the short story.

Washington Irving places the story in Boston, Massachusetts in 1727 just at the time where America took independence and separated itself from Britain. One way the author illustrates an American devil empathized when Tom took the short cut home, and he meet the demon in an old Indian fort. During the time of 1727, Native Americans became an increasing problem for settling colonist. As a result, the writer places the demon in an old Indian fort illustrating the point that he has American traits. Also many puritans at this time of the story moved and settled in the colonies, and Washington Irving had Satin make Tom moved to Boston, where he then become part of the puritan practice. Also, the leader of hell portrayed throughout the story chops down trees, which commonly at this time because all of the house had to be made by chopping down wood. Overall, through the whole story the writer characterizes the devil as a colonized version.

The author of the folk tale “The Devil and Tom Walker” characterized the demon as an American version domesticated through his reputation, appearance, and setting. The writer takes his reputation and adds colonized twist on it by having him involved in the Salem witch trials, and slave trading. Also, the author takes the appearance of Satin and portrays a more American side by his black nor copper skin, and black long hair. Lastly, the setting of the story puts a new world effect to the story by placing the devil in an old Indian fort, and Boston at the time of 1721. Least Toms determination for success is made on his own with a little help from the devil, maybe if Irving had that help he would of created something original.