Faustian Elements

What is the setting of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?

A few miles from Boston in Massachusetts.

What treasure is mentioned in 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?

A great amount of treasure buried by Kidd the pirate.

In what year does the story take place, according to the notes?

About the year 1727.

What historical context is referenced regarding the location?

It had been one of the strongholds of the Indians during their wars with the first colonists.

What remains of the old Indian fort mentioned in the story?

Nothing remains of the old Indian fort down from the time of the Indian wars.

What role does the devil play in the story regarding the buried treasure?

The devil presided at the hiding of the money and took it under his guardianship.

What proverb has emerged from the story of 'The Devil and Tom Walker'?

The story has resolved itself into a proverb prevalent throughout New England.

How does Tom Walker feel about the loss of his wife?

He consoled himself for the loss of his property with the loss of his wife, feeling gratitude towards the black woodman.

What does Tom say in response to the land-jobber's concern about his family?

Charity begins at home; I must take care of myself in these hard times.

What does Tom express a willingness to do in a moment of desperation?

He expresses a desire to sell his soul to the devil for two cents.

What does the stranger reveal to Tom regarding the contract?

He mentions there are courts and that they might as well have a look at the original document.

What is found on Tom's forehead when he reaches home?

The black print of a finger burnt into his forehead, which nothing could obliterate.

What type of characters are depicted in the story?

The needy and adventurous, gambling speculators, dreaming land-jobbers, thriftless tradesmen, and merchants with cracked credit.

What was the economic condition during Governor Belcher's time?

Money was particularly scarce, and there was a rage for speculating with government bills and the establishment of the famous Land Bank.

What does Tom Walker's character represent in the story?

He represents a man of fortitude who rationalizes his misfortunes.

What does the devil's role in the story suggest about morality?

It suggests a critique of greed and the moral compromises individuals make for wealth.

What does the devil's guardianship of buried treasure imply?

It implies that ill-gotten gains are often protected by malevolent forces.

What is the significance of the devil's actions in the story?

They highlight themes of temptation, moral decay, and the consequences of greed.

How does humor play a role in Tom's character?

Tom's humor is evident in his sarcastic remarks and rationalizations about his situation.

What does the story suggest about the consequences of making deals with the devil?

It suggests that such deals lead to inevitable ruin and moral corruption.

What does Tom Walker desire in his dealings?

He desires to lend money at high interest rates and extort bonds, foreclose mortgages, and drive merchants to bankruptcy.

What is the physical description of the devil in the story?

He has a shock of coarse black hair, red eyes, and carries an ax on his shoulder.

What kind of house do Tom and his wife live in?

They live in a forlorn-looking house that stands alone and has an air of starvation.

How does Tom Walker's character change after making a bargain with the devil?

He becomes a violent churchgoer, praying strenuously and rigidly supervising his neighbors' sins.

What does Tom Walker carry with him as a symbol of his supposed piety?

He always carries a small Bible in his coat pocket and has a large folio Bible on his countinghouse desk.

What is the nature of Tom Walker's relationship with his wife?

Tom's wife is described as a tall termagant, fierce of temper, and often engages in wordy warfare with him.

What does Tom Walker think about the sins of his neighbors?

He believes that every sin entered against them becomes a credit on his own side of the page.

What does the devil's appearance suggest about his character?

His scowling face and coarse appearance suggest a scary quality, while his indifference to Tom's advances suggests a more human-like quality.

How does Tom Walker attempt to cheat the devil?

He thinks with regret about the bargain he made and sets his wits to work to cheat him out of the conditions.

What is the significance of Tom Walker's 'fortitude'?

Tom is portrayed as a man of fortitude, which allows him to cope with the loss of his wife and property.

What does Tom Walker's zeal for religion reveal about him?

His zeal becomes notorious, reflecting his rigid nature in both religious and financial matters.

How does the devil respond to Tom Walker's advances?

The devil affects to receive Tom's advances with great indifference, making brief replies.

What does Tom Walker's character reveal about human nature?

His character illustrates greed, hypocrisy, and the desire for wealth at the expense of morality.

What does the description of the devil's clothing suggest?

His half-Indian garb and swarthy, dingy face suggest a connection to toil and perhaps a rough, unrefined nature.

What does the phrase 'black friend' imply about Tom Walker's relationship with the devil?

It implies a familiarity and perhaps a sense of camaraderie or complicity in their dealings.

What is the effect of the 'black print of a finger' on Tom Walker?

It symbolizes a mark of guilt or a lasting impression of his dealings with the devil.

How does Tom Walker's attitude towards money reflect his character?

His willingness to charge exorbitant interest rates and extort others shows his greed and moral corruption.

What does the house's description suggest about Tom and his wife's lifestyle?

It suggests a life of poverty and neglect, reflecting their moral and emotional state.

What does Tom Walker's prayerfulness reveal about his character?

It reveals his hypocrisy, as he uses religion as a facade while engaging in unethical practices.

What is a Faustian bargain?

A Faustian bargain refers to the act of selling one's soul to the devil, often depicted in American stories and folk-tales.

What language style is commonly found in traditional Faustian tales?

Traditional Faustian tales often use language that suggests they are being told and retold over time, with phrases like 'It's been said' or 'As I've heard it'.

How do American elements manifest in Faustian tales?

American elements in Faustian tales are incorporated through details related to setting, historical events, and cultural aspects of American life.

What role does humor play in Faustian tales?

Humor is often used to offset the potentially frightening nature of devil stories, ranging from light to dark, although some authors like Hawthorne may not include humor.

What is the role of the protagonist in a Faustian tale?

The protagonist, or 'Faust' character, is designed to evoke sympathy and connect with the reader's understanding of human weaknesses.

What qualities should the devil character possess in Faustian tales?

The devil character should have a scary quality, an attractive quality to the protagonist, and elements that are both human and non-human.

What is the significance of the 'call' in the Faustian bargain?

The 'call' refers to the requirement that the devil must be summoned by the human; he cannot appear uninvited.

What are the components of a 'contract with terms' in a Faustian bargain?

The contract must clearly outline what the human is trading their soul for, the duration of the glory, and must be willingly entered into by the protagonist.

What is meant by the 'mark' in the context of a Faustian bargain?

The 'mark' is a visible sign that the devil places on the human after the deal is made, often linked to historical beliefs about witches.

What happens during the 'resolution' phase of a Faustian bargain?

At the end of the contract, the protagonist is expected to willingly go with the devil to hell, but typically resists this outcome.

What is a common characteristic of the protagonist's weakness in Faustian tales?

The protagonist's weakness is often a relatable human flaw, such as feeling poor, unlucky, or worthless.

How does the devil's duality play a role in Faustian tales?

The devil's character balances between being terrifying and having attractive qualities that draw the protagonist in.

What is the purpose of including American cultural details in Faustian tales?

Including American cultural details helps to localize the story and make it resonate with the American experience.

How do authors use humor in devil stories?

Authors use humor to lighten the mood of potentially disturbing tales, making them more palatable to readers.

What does the term 'Faustian tradition' refer to?

The Faustian tradition refers to the narrative framework where god and the devil compete for human souls under specific rules.

What does the phrase 'the devil is a wily one' imply in Faustian tales?

It suggests that the devil is clever and resourceful in interpreting calls from humans to engage in a bargain.

What is the significance of the protagonist's consent in a Faustian bargain?

The protagonist must willingly consent to the bargain; they cannot be tricked into signing the contract.

What are the implications of the devil's attractive qualities?

The attractive qualities of the devil serve to entice the protagonist, making the bargain more compelling.

What is the role of historical context in Faustian tales?

Historical context enriches the narrative by grounding it in recognizable events and cultural references.

How does the structure of a Faustian tale typically unfold?

A Faustian tale typically unfolds through a call to the devil, the establishment of a contract, the marking of the protagonist, and a resolution involving conflict.

What is a common outcome for the protagonist at the end of a Faustian tale?

The common outcome is that the protagonist must confront the consequences of their bargain, often leading to a struggle against their fate.

What is the protagonist's vulnerability in the story?

Connie is fifteen, with a nervous giggling habit and a tendency to check her appearance in mirrors.

What non-human features does the devil possess?

Arnold Friend has unusual feet and eyes, and his skin appears oddly placed on his face.

How does the devil's appearance contribute to his attractiveness?

He drives a convertible jalopy painted gold and has a familiar face.

What qualities make the devil seem scary in the narrative?

He exhibits murderous qualities, is described as insane and creepy, and knows personal details about Connie.

What are the three calls made to Connie in the story?

1. Connie wishes her mother and herself were dead. 2. She feels pleasure when seeing Arnold. 3. She uses 'Christ' as a curse word.

What does the 'X' drawn in the air signify?

It is referred to as 'My sign' by Arnold Friend, symbolizing his control over Connie.

What does Connie receive in the contract with the devil?

A ride in the car.

What is the outcome of the conflict between Connie and the devil?

The devil wins Connie as his lover.

How does music function as a motif in the narrative?

It guides the mood, starting positively and becoming less familiar as the story darkens, facilitating connection between Connie and the devil.

What is the significance of 'home' versus 'house' in the narrative?

'Home' represents safety and familiarity, while 'house' is devoid of emotion; Connie's home transforms into a house as her safety is threatened.

How does the devil's knowledge of Connie contribute to his character?

It showcases his manipulative nature and creates a sense of dread, as he knows intimate details about her life.

What does Connie's reaction to Arnold's appearance reveal about her character?

Her initial pleasure and subsequent fear highlight her vulnerability and confusion.

In what ways does the setting contribute to the narrative's themes?

The shopping plaza and restaurant settings reflect American culture and the superficiality of appearances.

How does Oates use the character of Connie to explore themes of adolescence?

Connie's struggles with identity, vulnerability, and the transition to adulthood are central to the narrative.

What role does the concept of safety play in Connie's home life?

Safety is initially present but erodes as the devil's influence grows, illustrating her loss of innocence.

How does the devil's car symbolize his character?

The convertible jalopy represents freedom and allure but also danger and manipulation.

What is the impact of the devil's physical description on the reader's perception?

His unsettling features create a sense of unease and foreshadow his malevolent intentions.

How does the narrative structure reflect the themes of the story?

The progression from a seemingly normal life to a dark confrontation mirrors Connie's internal conflict.

What does the motif of mirrors signify in Connie's character development?

Mirrors symbolize her self-consciousness and desire for validation, highlighting her vulnerability.

How does the dialogue between Connie and Arnold enhance the tension in the story?

Their exchanges reveal power dynamics and Connie's growing fear, escalating the narrative's suspense.

What does the ending of the story suggest about the nature of evil?

It implies that evil can be seductive and manipulative, ultimately leading to the loss of innocence.

What unstable position is Connie in at the beginning of the narrative?

Connie is in the doorway, between the safety of home and the world before her.

How does Connie's family life affect her in the story?

Connie's strained family life causes distress and vulnerability, making her more susceptible to outside influences.

What does Connie's 'bright green blouse' symbolize in the narrative?

The green blouse represents Connie's life and youthfulness, which becomes soiled as she interacts with the devil.

Is there physical violence in Oates' narrative?

No, the story features mental manipulation and emotional deceit rather than clear physical violence.

Which folktales has Oates mentioned as an inspiration for her story?

Oates has mentioned 'Death and the Maiden' folktales as an inspiration.

How does Arnold Friend resemble characters from fairy tales?

Arnold Friend resembles the cunning stepmother in Snow White and the wolves in Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs.

What is Connie's role in relation to Arnold Friend in the story?

Connie is the damsel in distress, with no one coming to save her.

Why is the title 'Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?' significant?

The title is thought-provoking and represents Connie's position between her past and future, both taken away by the devil.

What do critics debate about Connie's decision to leave with Arnold Friend?

Critics debate whether her decision is unnatural and what it reveals about her values and the author's intent.

What does critic Marie Urbanski suggest about Connie's choice to leave with Arnold?

Urbanski suggests that Connie is bowing to absolute forces beyond her control.

What does critic Tom Quirk believe about Connie's psyche?

Quirk believes there is a rebellious fire inside Connie against the norms of the American Dream.

What is Connie's mental state when she decides to leave with Arnold Friend?

Connie is overwhelmed, scared, and unable to think straight, deferring to Arnold as the nearest adult.

What does Connie's decision to leave with Arnold indicate about her independence?

It indicates that she is unable to hold on to her independence and succumbs to fear and pressure.

How does the argument with Connie's family contribute to her vulnerability?

The argument exacerbates her dislike for her life, leaving her emotionally vulnerable.

What effect does the color of Connie's blouse have as the story progresses?

As the blouse gets wet, its color darkens, symbolizing the loss of innocence.

What literary elements are present in Oates' narrative?

Elements of gothic literature, such as mental manipulation and emotional deceit.

What does the doorway symbolize in relation to Connie's character?

The doorway symbolizes her transitional state between safety and danger.

How does Arnold Friend's character function in the narrative?

He serves as a manipulative villain who represents temptation and loss of innocence.

What is the significance of the question format in the title?

The question format engages the reader and reflects Connie's uncertain position.