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What does toms wife heart and liver symbolize in the story devil tom walker?

Tom's wife's heart and liver symbolise the consequences of greed and materialism in the story 'The Devil and Tom Walker'. Tom's wife, whose name is not mentioned, is portrayed as money-hungry and willing to do whatever it takes to acquire wealth, even collaborating with the devil himself.

Her heart and liver are described as being 'as dry and hard as a piece of cork' depicting the lack of compassion, empathy, and human feeling within her. This symbolises how greed and materialism can harden a person's heart and soul, leaving them devoid of basic humane emotions and considerations.

Additionally, the dryness of her organs also suggests a lack of vitality and life, reflecting the spiritual decay that accompanies unrestrained pursuit of material possessions and the loss of moral values. Through this symbolism, the story conveys a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of allowing greed to consume one's life at the expense of their humanity.

Fiction

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