The Devil and Tom Walker
by Washington Irving (excerpt)

"And, pray, who are you, if I may be so bold?" said Tom.

"Oh, I go by various names. I am the wild huntsman in some countries; the black miner in others. In this neighborhood I am known by the name of the black woodsman. I am he to whom the red men consecrated this spot, and in honor of whom they now and then roasted a white man, by way of sweet-smelling sacrifice. 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 grand-master of the Salem witches."

"The upshot of all which is, that, if I mistake not," said Tom, sturdily, "you are he commonly called Old Scratch."

"The same, at your service!" replied the black man, with a half-civil nod.

Such was the opening of this interview, according to the old story; though it has almost too familiar an air to be credited. One would think that to meet with such a singular personage in this wild, lonely place would have shaken any man's nerves; but Tom was a hard-minded fellow, not easily daunted, and he had lived so long with a termagant wife that he did not even fear the devil.


Instructions: Select the correct answer.

A: How does the satire in this passage influence the reader’s interpretation of Tom?

B: The use of satire makes readers realize that Tom is logical because he wins the argument with the stranger.

C: The use of satire makes readers realize that Tom is manipulative because he convinces the devil to help him.

D: The use of satire makes readers realize that Tom is foolish because he doesn’t fear the devil.

E: The use of satire makes readers realize that Tom is helpful because he assists the stranger.