Irving, Washington: 1783-1859
The Devil and Tom Walker, 1824 - Language/Style
- English Language Level: Challenging
- Vocabulary – Irving uses words and phrases common in the early 19th century that aren’t used today, like “hoary” or “quagmire,” which can confuse modern readers.
Sentence Structure – Sentences are often long, with multiple clauses, making them harder to parse than contemporary English prose.
Figurative Language & Symbolism – The story is rich in allegory, metaphor, and moral lessons, requiring readers to think critically about meaning beyond the literal words.
Cultural References – References to Puritan beliefs, colonial America, and folklore may be unfamiliar, requiring extra effort to understand context.
Formal Tone – The writing style is formal and descriptive, unlike the casual, straightforward style common today.
- Vocabulary – Irving uses words and phrases common in the early 19th century that aren’t used today, like “hoary” or “quagmire,” which can confuse modern readers.
- The language is formal, archaic, and rich in 19th-century vocabulary, making it moderately difficult for modern readers.