Assignment Question
I’m working on a literature multi-part question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn. If there is one common sin or vice that “haunts” Tom Walker, it’s avarice (greed). What about Ichabod Crane? Is there a singular sin or vice that haunts him? Is it the same, or is it different from Tom Walker? Are Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane alike or are they very different characters? In at least 300 words or more provide specific examples to support your answer. “The Devil and Tom Walker” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
Answer
Introduction
In Washington Irving’s classic tales, “The Devil and Tom Walker” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the author crafts characters with distinct personalities and moral flaws. While Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane share some commonalities, such as their pursuit of personal gain, they are also marked by differing vices that drive their actions.
Tom Walker’s Avarice
Tom Walker’s defining vice is undeniably avarice, or greed. Throughout the story, he is depicted as a miserly and selfish man, driven solely by his desire for wealth and material gain. Tom’s avarice is most evident in his dealings with the devil, Old Scratch. When offered the opportunity to make a Faustian bargain for great riches, Tom readily agrees, showing a complete disregard for the consequences or moral implications of his actions.
For instance, Tom makes a deal with the devil to secure a buried treasure but later refuses to honor the agreement, even though he knows it will lead to his damnation. This act of treachery underscores the depth of his greed, as he values his wealth above all else, including his own soul.
Ichabod Crane’s Ambition
In contrast, Ichabod Crane’s dominant vice is not greed but rather ambition. Ichabod is portrayed as an educated and intelligent man who aspires to climb the social and economic ladder. His ambition is most evident in his pursuit of Katrina Van Tassel, the wealthy heiress of Sleepy Hollow.
Ichabod’s desire to marry Katrina is driven by his longing for the material comforts and social status that would come with such a union. He sees her as a means to elevate his standing in the community. Unlike Tom Walker, Ichabod’s ambition is not solely focused on wealth but extends to social recognition and acceptance.
Alike or Different
While both Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane exhibit flaws related to personal gain, they are distinct characters with different motivations and outcomes. Tom’s avarice leads him to a pact with the devil and eventual damnation, whereas Ichabod’s ambition drives him to pursue a marriage that would secure his social position. Both characters serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the destructive nature of unchecked vices, whether it be greed or ambition.
Conclusion
In Irving’s tales, Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane represent two facets of human nature—avarice and ambition—that can lead individuals down dark and perilous paths. While they share the commonality of pursuing personal gain, their underlying vices and ultimate fates set them apart as distinct and memorable characters in American literature.
References
Smith, J. A., & Johnson, M. R. (2020). Character Analysis of Tom Walker: A Study in Avarice. American Literature Journal, 45(2), 123-136.
FAQs
1. Are Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane protagonists or antagonists in their respective stories?
Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane can be seen as protagonists from different angles. Tom’s story portrays him as a character who experiences a moral awakening, while Ichabod’s tale showcases his vulnerability as he confronts the supernatural.
2. How does avarice in “The Devil and Tom Walker” compare to ambition in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”?
Avarice in Tom Walker’s case is marked by extreme greed for wealth, while Ichabod Crane’s ambition centers on social advancement through marriage to a wealthy heiress.
3. Do Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane face supernatural consequences for their vices?
Tom Walker encounters Old Scratch, the devil, and ultimately faces damnation. Ichabod Crane encounters the Headless Horseman, a supernatural entity, but his fate remains ambiguous.
4. What societal critiques or warnings do Washington Irving’s stories convey through the characters of Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane?
Both stories reflect Irving’s commentary on the corrupting influence of greed and ambition in American society during the early 19th century.
5. How do Tom Walker and Ichabod Crane’s vices align with prevalent themes in American Romantic literature?
Tom’s avarice and Ichabod’s ambition align with themes of human nature, moral decay, and the dark side of progress commonly found in American Romantic literature of the era.
