Plot/Events
Symbolism/Archetypes
Romantic Period
Author/Mood
Excerpts
100
What is the relationship like between Tom and his wife?
It is hostile and unloving.
100
What is the symbolism in "The Black Man's" name.
Black usually symbolizes evil.
100
How did most Europeans view Americans during this time?
Savage and uncivilized.
100
What is the name of the author?
Washington Irving
100
What can we infer from the lines "Tom waited, but she (his wife) never came home. Tom now grew uneasy for her safety, especially after he found she carried off valuables in her apron."
Tom didn't really care about his wife. He wanted the valuables and was selfish.
200
Tom's wife "vanishing" in the woods is an example of what part of the plot diagram?
Rising Action
200
Gold and treasure is often a symbol or an archetype in a story. What does it represent in this story?
Greed, evil, demise
200
What does it mean to be "Transcendental?"
You must go "beyond" everyday experiences to truly understand anything.
200
The mood of this story can best be described as?
Somber, depressing, scornful
200
What does "impregnable" most nearly mean? "It has been an Indian stronghold. Here they had thrown up a fort, which they had looked upon as almost IMPREGNABLE."
Impossible to enter by force. Hard to get in. Well defended.
300
What do we assume the "deal" was between Tom and Old Scratch?
Soul in exchange for treasure/money/loan shark/etc.
300
What is the symbolism between Deacon Peabody and the giant tree Old Scratch pointed to when talking to Tom. The text says the tree was beautiful and strong on the outside but had a "rotten core."
He is corrupt inside. He will soon crash and burn.
300
True or false: Because the romantics were so involved with emotion, they completely disregarded any information in regards to science.
FALSE: They did not like the idea of the scientific process, as it was very rational, but they still enjoyed learning and exploring, which are scientific in nature.
300
What is the mood of the following passage? "There is a deep inlet, winding several miles into the Bay, terminating a thickly wooded swamp. On the side, a dark grove..."
Somber, dark, depressing
300
What does this line mean? "Tom took a shortcut home. Like most shortcuts, it was an ill chosen route"
Shortcuts in life will not work. You need to work hard and take the right path in life.
400
Tom is taken from his job with the devil. This is which part of the plot diagram?
Resolution
400
What is an archetype?
A symbol that is commonly understood to many groups of people.
400
Tom's wife ran out with many valuable items, and while Tom was upset, it wasn't because she left. What about this is romantic?
His love of possessions. He did not rationalize the loss of his wife, but instead, the lose of possessions.
400
Why did Washington Irving not sign his real name until after his fifties?
He truthfully enjoyed the creation of characters so much, he incorporated it into his own life. This helps the reader understand Irving's talent of characterization and creation.
400
What is Tom doing in the following passage? "Tom was a universal friend to the needy. He always exacted good pay and good security. In proportion to the distress of the applicant, he accumulated bonds and mortgages, gradually squeezing his customers closer and closer, and sent them at length, dry as a sponge, from his door."
Tom was cheating people out of money.
500
Based on class discussion and the events of the story, what is the theme or lesson intended?
Greed, selfishness, deceit, will cause your own demise. Make good decisions.
500
Name one archetype from "The Devil and Tom Walker"
Possible answers: Dealing with the devil Greed is evil Deceit is wrong
500
What eventually led to the rise of Romanticism?
Tired of being rational all the time, wanted to "feel" instead of only "thinking it through"
500
What is the mood of the following passage about Tom finding his wife's apron? "A great vulture perched hard by, as if keeping watch upon it. He leaped with joy; for he recognized his wife's apron, and supposed it to contain the household valuables."
Ominous, disgust, shock
500
What do we learn about Tom from the following passage near the end of the story? "As Tom waxed old....he became a violent churchgoer. He prayed loudly and strenuously, as if heaven were to be taken by force of lungs."
Tom began to fear for his soul the older he grew. He was scared of the "black man."
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