Although the narrator does not directly state a plan of action that would have changed the outcome of the story, there are several significant moments which could have altered Tom's fate. After telling his wife about the devil's proposal, Tom's wife argues with him to sell his soul and accept the money. However, Tom remains resolute in his decision to not accept the deal in order to displease his wife. She then decides to visit...
Although the narrator does not directly state a plan of action that would have changed the outcome of the story, there are several significant moments which could have altered Tom's fate. After telling his wife about the devil's proposal, Tom's wife argues with him to sell his soul and accept the money. However, Tom remains resolute in his decision to not accept the deal in order to displease his wife. She then decides to visit the devil and attempts to strike a deal with him, but ends up mysteriously disappearing in the swamp. Upon her death, Tom visits the devil again and reluctantly agrees to sell his soul. If Tom's wife had not taken it upon herself to visit the devil, Tom possibly would not have sold his soul.
Another possibility that may have changed the outcome was Tom's response to his increasing anxiety about his next life. Although Tom begins to attend church and is known for his zeal, he never has a change of heart. At the end of the story, Tom forecloses on a man's mortgage and says, "the devil take...if I have made a farthing!" Although it is not stated, Tom could have possibly avoided going to hell by truly having a change of heart.
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