Washington Irving's story "The Devil and Tom Walker" satirizes several aspects of society, primarily the greed, materialism, and moral decay prevalent in 18th-century American society. Tom Walker's transformation from a miserly and selfish individual to a man obsessed with acquiring wealth at any cost serves as a commentary on these societal issues.
1. **Greed**: Tom Walker's character represents extreme greed. His willingness to make a pact with the devil, Mr. Scratch, in exchange for riches demonstrates how the pursuit of wealth can corrupt a person's moral values. Irving satirizes the insatiable desire for material possessions that can lead individuals to compromise their principles.
2. **Materialism**: The story critiques the materialistic nature of society. Tom's focus on accumulating wealth, even when it means exploiting others or dealing with supernatural forces, reflects the emphasis on material gain over ethical considerations. This reflects a broader societal obsession with wealth and possessions.
3. **Moral Decay**: The transformation of Tom Walker reflects the moral decay within society. As he becomes more wealthy, he also becomes more miserly, callous, and corrupt. Irving's satire highlights how the pursuit of wealth can erode a person's moral compass, leading to a deterioration of their character.
4. **Religious Hypocrisy**: The story also satirizes religious hypocrisy. Tom Walker, despite his wicked deeds, is depicted as a churchgoer. This suggests that even those who claim to be religious may engage in immoral actions for personal gain, exposing the hypocrisy of some members of society.
In essence, Irving uses Tom Walker's character arc to criticize the moral and ethical shortcomings of society, particularly the relentless pursuit of wealth and the compromises people are willing to make for it.