In "The Devil and Tom Walker," Washington Irving criticizes the selfish and heartless sections of American society, especially usurers, by satirizing them through Tom Walker’s character. He also criticizes the hypocrisy of American religious groups through his satirical description of Tom’s churchgoing and through his mention of the Salem witch trials and the persecution of Quakers and Anabaptists. He also seems to suggest that American society was founded on violence and inequality:
"Since the red men have been exterminated by you white savages, I amuse myself by presiding at the persecutions of Quakers and Anabaptists; I am the great patron and prompter of slave dealers, and the grandmaster of the Salem witches."
From Plato
A
Most people retire in their 60s. 40 and 20 is way too young and 80 is too old.
Answer:
Explained below
Explanation:
Dave is stuck between boyhood and manhood and feels his manhood is threatened throughout the story. In order to become a man, gun will help him reach his responsibility. The coming of age is a major theme.
Racism is also a theme in the story as Dave was excluded from the social order. Dave struggles to seek Power which is another theme of the story. He does not want to be treated like a boy so he wants to own a gun which symbolizes masculinity, adulthood and power. Lastly, the Mule symbolizes responsibility.
