Download The Devil and Tom Walker Post Reading Questions

Tom Walker Post Reading
Questions
From page 252 English III
1. What does the Devil offer Tom Walker? What factors contribute to Tom's initial refusal?
2. What happens to Tom's wife? What do you learn about Tom, based on his reaction to the
loss of his wife?
3. What agreement does Tom Walker ulitmately make with the Devil? As the story progresses,
why do you think Tom begins to go to church and carry a Bible around with him at all times?
4. What does Tom do to cause the narrator to call him a "violent churchgoer?" In what way is
Tom's approach to religion similar to his approach to financial dealings?
5. Do you feel that Tom Walker deserved his fate? Why or why not? Would you have felt more
sympathy for Tom if he had sold his soul for knowledge instead of money? Explain.
From page 253
What inferences can you draw about cultural attitudes of New Englanders during the 1720's,
especially in the area of religion? Explain.
What can you infer about the attitudes of people toward moneylenders in Tom Walker's time/
Which details in the story lead you to draw this inferences?