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SATIRE in “The Devil and Tom Walker”. A Definition. SATIRE – Literature that exposes in order to ridicule the vices or follies of people or societies . Plain English: Novels, short stories, and plays that make fun of the crazy and horrible things that human beings do. Modern Examples.
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A Definition • SATIRE – Literature that exposes in order to ridicule the vices or follies of people or societies. • Plain English: Novels, short stories, and plays that make fun of the crazy and horrible things that human beings do.
Modern Examples South Park The Onion What else?
Satire in the Tall Tale • The main object of Washington Irving’s satire is: to examine greedy people, especially those whose wealth is ill-gotten or gained through the bad luck of others. • Irving pokes fun at this type of person through his exaggerated characterization of Tom and his wife. STOP!!!!
Examples of Exaggeration • Neither Tom’s nor his wife’s character is believable. Why? • The wife is so greedy that she hides eggs from her husband. • Tom is not only eager to trade his soul for wealth, but his greed is greater than even the Devil’s.
Other Examples of Tom’s Character That Add a Comic Effect • Greed – charges more interest than even the devil suggests • Hypocrisy – (to say one thing but take action that is the opposite) has sold soul to the devil but criticizes others for being sinful • Miserliness – (penny pincher)won’t even spend money to feed horses or grease his wagon wheels
Other Examples of Tom’s Character That Add a Comic Effect (cont.) • Foolishness – trades peace of mind (and eternity) for wealth • Stubbornness – wants to make a deal with the Devil but doesn’t because his wife wants him to do it.