ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Old Scratch or Mr. Scratch is a nickname or pseudonym for the Devil. The name likely comes from Middle English scrat, the name of a demon or goblin, derived from Old Norse skratte.

Detailed explanation-2: -In “The Devil and Tom Walker, ” the character of Old Scratch personifies evil or temptation. The murky woods full of quagmires in which Tom meets the devil are symbolic of his conscience, which, clouded by his greed, falls easily to the devil’s temptation.

Detailed explanation-3: -Old Scratch strikes a deal with Tom Walker, offering the riches hidden in the swamp by Captain Kidd in exchange for a great price, which is often thought to be his soul. Tom agrees to think about it and returns home.

Detailed explanation-4: -Tom meets the devil, Old Scratch, at an abandoned Indian fort hidden away in the swamplands. Old Scratch offers Tom riches hidden by Captain Kidd in exchange for “certain conditions.” The conditions are, of course, that Walker sells his soul to him. Tom initially rejects the offer, but ultimately agrees.

Detailed explanation-5: -The devil in The Devil and Tom Walker is known as Old Scratch. Covered in what looks similar to black soot, he’s also referred to as The Black Man. He’s cunning and outwits Tom Walker for his soul. Old Scratch is a name prevalent in folklore, especially that of New England.