What details in the story The devil and Tom Walker reveal that Irving was specifically critical of values held by the Puritans of Boston?

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2026-05-12 00:15

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In Washington Irving's take on "Faust", Tom Walker shows the hypocrisy of the Puritans. He's a married man, but he doesn't like his spouse. When he finds the Devil has killed her, he's happy. He wants money, but he has (limited) morals. He won't involve himself in the slave trade, but is perfectly happy to become involved in usury. When his end nears and he knows he has to keep his pact with the Devil, he exhibits false increased faith, but to no avail.

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