Jean Webster: A Life of Literature and Activism

Jean Webster was an American author and social activist best known for her novel
"Daddy-Long-Legs," which has become a classic of children's literature. However, her life
was marked by much more than her literary achievements. This essay will explore the life
and legacy of Jean Webster, from her childhood to her literary career and social activism.

Jean Webster was born in Fredonia, New York, in 1876. She was the daughter of Charles L.
Webster, a publisher and nephew of Mark Twain, and Annie Moffet Webster, a writer and
social activist. Her childhood was marked by tragedy, as both of her parents died when she
was young. She was raised by her maternal grandparents, who were also involved in social
activism and philanthropy.

Webster attended Vassar College, where she studied literature and developed an interest in
writing. She later continued her studies at the Columbia University School of Journalism and
worked as a journalist for several years. However, her passion was for writing fiction, and in
1902, she published her first novel, "When Patty Went to College." The book was a success,
and she went on to publish several more novels, including "Dear Enemy," a sequel to
"Daddy-Long-Legs."

However, it was "Daddy-Long-Legs" that made Webster a household name. The novel,
which was published in 1912, tells the story of Jerusha Abbott, a young orphan who is sent
to college by an anonymous benefactor known only as "Daddy-Long-Legs." The book was a
commercial and critical success, and it has since become a classic of children's literature. It
has been adapted into several films, plays, and musicals, and it continues to be read and
loved by children and adults alike.

Webster's writing was marked by her wit, humor, and social commentary. Her books often
dealt with issues such as women's rights, social inequality, and the importance of education.
She was a feminist and believed strongly in the power of education to improve people's lives.
Her writing often reflected her own experiences and beliefs, and she used her platform as an
author to advocate for social change.

However, Webster's activism was not limited to her writing. She was involved in several
social and political causes, including the women's suffrage movement and the campaign for
world peace. She was a member of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and
worked tirelessly to promote women's right to vote. She was also a member of the Women's
International League for Peace and Freedom and was an outspoken critic of war and
militarism.

Webster's social activism was inspired by her upbringing and her family's involvement in
philanthropy and social causes. Her grandfather, Samuel Moffet, was a prominent
abolitionist and supporter of women's rights, and her mother was involved in several social
and political causes. Webster inherited their passion for social justice and used her platform
as an author to promote her beliefs.

In addition to her activism, Webster was also a keen traveler. She traveled extensively
throughout Europe and the Middle East, and her experiences inspired several of her books.
She was also a lover of nature and spent much of her time outdoors, hiking and exploring
the natural world.

Tragically, Webster's life was cut short by illness. She died of childbirth-related complications
in 1916, at the age of 40