Jean Webster
Jean Webster: A Life of Literature and Legacy
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Jean Hilder Colby Webster was a renowned American author, best known for her novels that often tackled social issues and promoted feminist ideals. She is commonly referred to as Jean Webster.
Birth and Death Dates
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Jean Webster was born on February 24, 1876, in Chappaqua, New York, and passed away on June 11, 1916, at the age of 40.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Webster was an American author by nationality, and her profession was that of a writer. She is best known for her novels, which often explored themes related to women's rights, education, and social justice.
Early Life and Background
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Jean Webster grew up in a family that valued education and social activism. Her father, Thomas Nast Colby, was an illustrator and cartoonist who worked for _Harper's Weekly_, while her mother, Clara de Hirsch Colby, was a writer and editor. Webster's upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of justice and compassion, which would later influence her writing.
Webster attended the New York Female High School and later studied at Smith College, where she developed a passion for literature and social reform. After graduating from college, she began working as a journalist, writing articles for various newspapers and magazines.
Major Accomplishments
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Jean Webster's literary career spanned over a decade, during which she wrote six novels that gained critical acclaim and commercial success. Her most notable works include:
_Daddy-Long-Legs_ (1912) - a novel about an orphaned girl who attends college with the help of a wealthy benefactor.
_When Patty Went to College_ (1915) - a sequel to _Daddy-Long-Legs_, which continues the story of its protagonist, Patty.
Webster's novels were not only bestsellers but also influential in shaping public opinion on issues such as women's education and social inequality. Her writing style, characterized by wit, humor, and insight, resonated with readers across the country.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to her novels, Webster was an active supporter of various social causes, including women's suffrage and labor rights. She was a vocal advocate for education as a means of empowering individuals, particularly women, to create positive change in their communities.
Webster's commitment to social justice was evident not only in her writing but also in her personal life. She was known for her generosity and kindness, often using her wealth and influence to support those in need.
Impact and Legacy
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Jean Webster's impact on literature and society extends far beyond her own lifetime. Her novels continue to be widely read and studied today, offering insights into the social issues of the early 20th century. Her legacy as a pioneering author has inspired generations of writers, including some notable female authors who have followed in her footsteps.
Webster's commitment to education and social reform has also left a lasting impact on American society. Her advocacy for women's rights and labor rights helped pave the way for future generations of activists and reformers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Jean Webster is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful and often humorous commentary on life, love, and social issues. Her writing continues to captivate readers with its wit, intelligence, and compassion. As a pioneering author who tackled difficult subjects with humor and sensitivity, Webster's legacy as a writer and advocate for social justice remains an enduring testament to her impact on literature and society.
In conclusion, Jean Webster was a remarkable individual whose life and work continue to inspire and educate us today. Her commitment to education, social reform, and women's rights has left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Quotes by Jean Webster
Jean Webster's insights on:
I don’t know why I am in such a reminiscent mood except that spring and the reappearance of toads always awakens the old acquisitive instinct. The only thing that keeps me from starting a collection is the fact that no rule exists against it.
I’m going to enjoy every second, and I’m going to know I’m enjoying it while I’m enjoying it. Most people don’t live; they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and panting that they lose sight of the beautiful, tranquil country they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are old and worn out, and it doesn’t make any difference whether they’ve reached the goal or not.
When you get accustomed to people or places or ways of living, and then have them snatched away, it does leave an awfully empty, gnawing sort of sensation.
I saw a street car conductor today with one brown eye and one blue. Wouldn’t he make a nice villain for a detective story?
Do you want to know something? I have three pairs of kid gloves. I’ve had kid mittens before from the Christmas tree, but never real kid gloves with five fingers. I take them out and try them on every little while. It’s all I can do not to wear them to classes.
He paid me another visit this afternoon. I invited him to accommodate himself in one of Mrs. Lippett’s electric-blue chairs, and then sat down opposite to enjoy the harmony. He was dressed in a mustard-colored homespun, with a dash of green and a glint of yellow in the weave, a “heather mixture” calculated to add life to a dull Scotch moor. Purple socks and a red tie, with an amethyst pin, completed the picture. Clearly, your paragon of a doctor is not going to be of much assistance in.
Do you think a woman of that age is attractive if she deals in subterfuges and evasions? Character,” she added solemnly, “is a plant of slow growth, and the seeds must be planted early.
The mere idea that you are not in a place for the rest of your life gives you an awfully unstable feeling. That’s why trial marriages would never work. You’ve got to feel you’re in a thing irrevocably and forever in order to buckle down and really put your whole mind into making it a success.