Background knowledge to deeply understand ‘Daddy-Long-Legs’ by Jean Webster
Historical Context of the Novel
Jean Webster’s “Daddy-Long-Legs,” published in 1912, is set in the early 20th century during a period of significant social and cultural change in the United States, particularly concerning women’s roles and opportunities. The Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) saw a growing movement for women’s suffrage and increased access to education and employment. The novel reflects these changes by portraying Jerusha Abbott, the protagonist, as a young woman striving for independence and intellectual growth through higher education, a path that was becoming increasingly available to women at the time.
The novel also touches upon the social issue of orphanages and the conditions they often presented. Jerusha’s background as an orphan raised in the John Grier Home provides a glimpse into the often harsh realities faced by children in such institutions during that period. Webster’s own involvement in social reform efforts, particularly her interest in improving the lives of orphaned and disadvantaged children, likely informed her portrayal of Jerusha’s experiences and her desire to create a better life for herself.
Literary Influences and Genre
“Daddy-Long-Legs” falls within the genre of epistolary novels, characterized by their structure as a series of letters or diary entries. This form allows for an intimate portrayal of the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings, giving readers direct access to Jerusha’s evolving personality and perspectives. Notable examples of epistolary novels that predate “Daddy-Long-Legs” include Samuel Richardson’s “Pamela” (1740) and “Clarissa” (1748), as well as Fanny Burney’s “Evelina” (1778). These novels often focused on the inner lives of female characters and their experiences in society, paving the way for Webster’s exploration of similar themes.
The novel also incorporates elements of the bildungsroman, a genre that focuses on the moral and psychological growth of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood. Jerusha’s journey from a lonely orphan to a confident and independent young woman exemplifies this genre, as she navigates the challenges of college life, develops her writing abilities, and discovers love along the way. This coming-of-age narrative resonates with the broader themes of self-discovery and personal development prevalent in literature during the early 20th century.
Jean Webster’s Life and Background
Jean Webster, the pen name of Alice Jane Chandler Webster, was an American author and activist who lived from 1876 to 1916. She was the grandniece of Mark Twain, a connection that likely influenced her own literary aspirations. Webster attended Vassar College, a prestigious women’s college, graduating in 1897. Her college experiences, including her involvement in writing and social activism, likely provided inspiration for Jerusha Abbott’s journey in “Daddy-Long-Legs.”
Webster was deeply committed to social reform and worked to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. She visited orphanages and reformatories, gaining firsthand knowledge of the conditions these institutions presented. Her experiences informed her writing, particularly in “Daddy-Long-Legs,” where she portrays the challenges faced by orphans and advocates for a more compassionate and supportive approach to their care.
Webster’s own life, marked by her education, activism, and literary pursuits, provides valuable context for understanding the themes and characters in “Daddy-Long-Legs.” Her commitment to social justice and her belief in the importance of education for women are reflected in Jerusha’s journey and the novel’s overall message of hope and empowerment.
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