In what ways is this story a satire?
A satire is a piece of work that criticizes some element of human folly, and "The Devil and Tom Walker" does exactly that. The story satirizes societal greed and hypocrisy, particularly that of the Puritans, the religious group that settled the Charles Bay during the time period in which this story takes place. Though Tom Walker is definitely unlikable, he is also easily comparable to others who let greed, stinginess, and frugality blind them to the point where they (figuratively) have sold their souls.