Final answer:
The narrator in "The Devil and Tom Walker" alludes to the well-known concept of the devil overseeing hidden treasures linked to evil, a motif also present in other literary works and cultural narratives. This serves to highlight themes of greed, corruption, and the moral costs of seeking wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "The Devil and Tom Walker," the narrator mentions that it is "well known" that the devil presides over and guards hidden treasures, particularly when that treasure is associated with evil or cursed origins. This idea parallels other literary works that feature deals with the devil, also known as Faustian bargains, where characters trade their souls for earthly gains. These themes are reflected in various texts where the devil either directly offers a temptatious deal or watches over wealth that comes at a moral cost.
The devil guarding treasure is a narrative device used to explore the human tendency to be tempted by greed and the consequences that follow. It serves as a universal symbol across cultures for the dangers of making unethical choices in pursuit of wealth. Notably, characters like Tom Walker are led astray by the devil's trickery, choosing short-term profit over virtuous lives, which typically ends in their downfall.
Examples in Literature
- Contracts with the devil increasing productivity at the expense of one's soul.
- The devil as a judge in Hell, assigning punishments based on sins.
- Hidden treasures guarded by the devil as a reflection of societal views on capitalism and inequality.