Irving vs. Poe: Differences in Tone and the Effect of These Differences
             Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe used very different tones in their stories, which had connected themes and issues within them. One of the major themes that both authors used is the dark side of human nature. The differences in their presentations of this theme are very interesting, and through an examination of their techniques one can gain an appreciation for each author's style.
             Irving dealt with this issue in a way that appeared light-hearted and simple, but when the reader analyzes one of his stories, such as "The Devil and Tom Walker," he sees that there is a darker and much deeper message. This is the message of the danger of dealing with the devil and turning from God. It also has the underlying message of the naturally corrupt, greedy, and deceptive nature of man. Irving uses dialogue to make the story more easygoing and casual. Tom Walker, the main character who sold his soul to the devil in exchange for riches on earth, speaks in less than perfect, dignified English. He and his wife had many disagreements, which were sometimes physical. Tom's wife attempted to make a deal with the devil without Tom. After Tom visited the site of the meeting between the other two he made a rather humorous comment-"Old Scratch must have had a tough time of it!" He knew how his wife fought, and this made him almost sorry for the devil for what he had to go through. He was actually happy that his wife was dead, even though his possessions were gone (she had the valuables with her when she went to meet the devil; they were gone when Tom arrived). This comedic element is apparent throughout the story. Irving does not describe objects in painstaking detail. His works are written in a style that is fairly easy to read; a dictionary is not necessary to have by one's si
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