In Washington Irving’s short story ‘The Devil and Tom Walker,’ Tom Walker makes a profoundly dark deal with the devil, known as Old Scratch. Initially, Tom encounters the devil in a swampy area while on a journey. The devil offers him wealth and prosperity in exchange for his soul.
Specifically, Tom is tempted by the prospect of riches when the devil suggests that he could become a usurer, lending money at exorbitant interest rates. Despite being initially hesitant, Tom eventually agrees to the deal after he learns about his wife’s greed and her attempt to strike her own bargain with the devil. This moment highlights not only Tom’s moral weakness but also the destructive nature of greed.
Tom’s deal with the devil manifests in the form of becoming a wealthy moneylender in town. However, the story shows that although he achieves material success, he ultimately lives in fear and guilt over his pact with Old Scratch. This moral tale serves as a cautionary warning about the consequences of greed and the perils of making deals that compromise one’s integrity and soul.