Entry 22: The Devil and Tom Walker

The exploration of the bad side of human nature is the example of American Romanticism, greed was shown through Tom's actions. The dark Romantics exposed of the bad traits that are hidden with in the man kind and in this story it was the trait of stinginess and greed. I would have classify this story in the genre of fiction and a story with a moral. The story expresses the Romantic goal of improving man kind and by teaching of such morals would benefit the society. I think that if the story was written in a more contemporary way the plot wouldn't be so different. The only change would be the setting, characters, and interactions between the characters but the ultimate lesson would still be the same. I think that people being more optimistic and always trying to be happy might change the way the story ends. The story might end with a character like Tom tricking the devil and ends up living a happy life while the character also learns the evil of greed. The setting would be modern in a urban city. The main characters would not be married but in a relationship the guy would be a smart guy but never had a chance to shine. Finally a man in a suit offers him an opportunity with the condition of a trade, a trade for his soul. The young man takes it and beings his path of wealth and later realizes the deal he made with the devil wasn't worth it and tries to find a way out. He wins and everyone learns the moral.