Washington Irving was considered the greatest American author of the early Romantic era. As such, the majority of his works contain elements consistent with Romantic ideals, including his short story The Devil and Tom Walker. Through literary elements such as diction, imagery, tone, syntax, and figurative language, Irving portrays Tom Walker in a negative light. In a broader sense however, Irving's use of these literary elements goes beyond the simple characterization of Tom Walker, as the entire story can be seen as an allegory critiquing society during the Industrial Revolution. Irving uses diction masterfully in order to portray Walker's greed. To do this, Irving uses clear and specific descriptors. It is the peak of Romantic era writing. For example, the author does not simply portray Walker as a bad man, but uses words that evoke the most negative emotions possible in the reader. This can be brought out towards the end of the work where Irving states: "He built himself, as usual, a large house, for ostentation, but left the greater part of it unfinished and unfurnished, for parsimony” (Irving 266). Ostentation refers to an excessive, lavish, and even vulgar display of one's wealth or success. Rather than simply being arrogant or haughty, this word describes an almost malicious action. Likewise, parsimony refers to a most extreme form of avarice, beyond frugality or thrift. As such, Irving describes Walker as possessing both the drive to flaunt his wealth and protect it at the same time. If Tom's greed is easily reflected in this diction, the reader can also deduce that Irving is criticizing the industrialists of the time, always eager to display ...... middle of paper ..... . f Washington Irving By implementing literary elements in his short story The Devil and Tom Walker, it becomes clear that the characterization of his protagonist is certainly negative. Irving associates Walker with corruption, greed, and evil. However, this characterization of Tom Walker goes beyond simply providing an entertaining narrative for Irving's readers. Since The Devil and Tom Walker is an allegory for the society of Irving's time, the reader can view Tom Walker's characterization as a scathing critique of the banking and industrial system of the time. Likewise, it appears that Irving is warning of the impending doom to which such a society could lead, a belief commonly shared by romantics like himself. Works Cited Irving, Washington. “The Devil and Tom Walker.” 1824. The American Experience. Boston: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. 258-68. Print