1.Moral Choice: The tree serves as a metaphor for moral choices and temptation. It is described as a "lonely red maple" on a hill, and its location away from the community suggests that it is associated with isolation and solitary decisions. Tom walker is torn between his desire for wealth and his moral compass. The tree represents the crossroads where he must make a definitive choice.
2.Temptation: The tree is associated with the devil himself, who appears to Tom walker leaning against the tree. The tree becomes the site of temptation, where the devil offers Tom walker a pact that promises prosperity but demands his soul in return. The tree signifies the allure and danger of giving into wordly desires.
3.Sin and Corruption: As Tom walker makes his pact, the tree becomes imbued with a sense of sin and corruption. It begins to wither and its leaves turn red, almost as if it is cursed or tainted by the devil's presence. The tree transforms from a symbol of nature's beauty to a representation of moral decay.
4.Isolation: The tree is located on a hill, away from the community and the church, emphasizing Tom Walker's isolation from society. his physical and moral detachment are reflected in the tree's isolated position, highlighting the consequences of his choices.
5.Decay and Punishment: The tree's deterioration over the course of the story mirrors Tom Walker's downfall. As he becomes more consumed by greed and dishonesty, the tree withers and dies. Its eventual collapse can be interpreted as a punishment for his sinful acts, demonstrating the moral consequences of his actions.
The tree in "The Devil and Tom Walker" adds symbolic depth and complexity to the story. It represents moral choice, temptation, sin, isolation, and punishment, becoming a powerful visual metaphor for the struggles and consequences that characters face when they prioritize material wealth over ethics and faith.