While my husband and I were cleaning the siding of our house, I found a Daddy-long-legs spider. That small moment reminded me of one of my favorite childhood books, Daddy-Long-Legs, by Jean Webster. I loved this book so much that I spent countless hours reading it repeatedly. Revisiting books I cherished in my youth allowed me to see them in a new light as an adult, and I was curious how I would perceive Daddy-Long-Legs this time.
Initially published in 1912, Jean Webster’s novel was quite popular when I was growing up, especially among children. This book had an immense impact and introduced me to many other books. When I found the spider, I took it as a sign to revisit this book.
Plot Summary:
Jerusha “Judy” Abbott is a 17-year-old orphan who has spent her entire life in the John Grier Home, an orphanage. She is optimistic despite her unfortunate circumstances and grim future as an orphan. Judy is skilled at writing – which prompted an anonymous benefactor, one of the orphanage’s trustees, to offer to send her to college on the condition that she write him letters regularly to update him on her progress. Mrs. Lippert, the orphanage administrator, told her that Judy was not to expect any replies or attempt to discover his identity. She never met her benefactor. Her only glimpse of him is a shadow on the wall in the orphanage hallway, which reminds her of a long-legged spider, so she whimsically nicknames him “Daddy-Long-Legs.”
Judy is surrounded by girls from affluent backgrounds at college and quickly realizes how different her upbringing was. For example, she seemed ignorant of certain books every girl read, such as “Little Women.” Undeterred, she sets out to bridge this gap, immersing herself in books, studying diligently, and working to improve her education. Her unwavering determination, despite the odds, is truly inspiring as she begins to blossom intellectually and socially, learning about life beyond the orphanage.
Judy becomes close friends with her roommates, including Julia Pendleton, who comes from a wealthy family. Julia asks Judy to meet her uncle, Mr. Jervis Pendleton, who is 14 years older than them. Over time, Judy grows fond of Mr. Jervis. However, she initially keeps her feelings to herself, fearful of how to navigate her growing emotions.
As Judy’s education progresses, she gains confidence and sees her potential as a writer. She earns a scholarship (her sponsor told her to decline). She even sells her first piece of writing for $50, a testament to her emerging talent as a writer. Her growth, from a young orphan to a confident and talented individual is something to be proud of. At one point, her mysterious benefactor, Daddy-Long-Legs, suggests she spend a summer in Europe to broaden her horizons, but Judy declines, wanting to remain grounded in her studies. Mr. Jervis tries to persuade her to go, but she stays firm in her decision.
Judy’s feelings for Mr. Jervis deepen, but she is afraid to confess everything about her past to him, worrying about how it might affect their relationship. She is also worried that her upbringing may negatively impact him. A misunderstanding arises when Mr. Jervis believes Judy has feelings for Jimmy McBride, the brother of her close friend Sally. He misunderstands that Judy would like to marry Jimmy. Hurt and confused, he distances himself from her.
Missing Mr. Jervis, Judy writes to Daddy-Long-Legs about her feelings toward him and how she messed up her relationship entirely due to fear. Later, she is summoned by her benefactor’s secretary, who informs her that her mysterious sponsor is ill. When Judy visits him, she is stunned to discover that Mr. Jervis Pendleton has been her benefactor, Daddy-Long-Legs all along. Their mutual feelings are finally revealed, and the novel ends with Judy and Jervis coming together in love.
Historical and Social Context
Daddy-Long-Legs is a romantic novel with an exciting twist. It was written when few people, especially women and orphans, could attend university. In the early 20th century, like the book’s protagonist, Judy, total orphans often faced grim futures. Many were destined for lives of servitude or were sent West to work on farms. Unlike Judy’s fairy-tale-like experience, most real-life orphans were not so fortunate.
Orphanages have existed in the United States since the mid-19th century, and charitable organizations often found them. The need for them grew between 1830 and 1850 due to health epidemics such as Cholera and Tuberculosis. Many children in these institutions were housed temporarily until their parents could recover financially. Only about 30% of orphans were “total orphans,” with no family to return to. Life after the orphanage was often bleak for these children, with few opportunities. The U.S., like other countries, usually sent these orphans to far-flung areas for labor, much like Anne of Green Gables depicts. Judy’s story in Daddy-Long-Legs, where she receives an education and support from a benefactor, is closer to a fairy tale.
Regarding female education, the U.S. held relatively progressive views from the early 19th century onward. The first women’s college was established in 1836; by 1875, around 50 colleges opened their doors to women. Many scholars trace this educational progress back to the influence of New England Puritan beliefs, emphasizing that boys and girls should be able to read. Primary schooling became more accessible, and by 1750, nearly 90% of women in New England were literate, with some advancing to secondary education. However, formal schooling was still limited to those with means, which is why many young women, like Judy, needed a benefactor to attend college.
Judy’s benefactor, Mr. Jervis, is mentioned as a socialist in her letters, adding a unique dimension to his role. In the context of early 20th-century America, his support for Judy’s education reflects a progressive outlook that was not common for his time.
Impression of the Book
Daddy-Long-Legs is written epistolary, where the narrative unfolds through letters. Through Judy’s correspondence, we witness her journey from a young girl to an independent young woman. As I read the book, I was pleasantly surprised by how clearly her letters convey her growth. While there is a romantic element to the story, I believe the author’s primary focus is on the importance of education for all, regardless of gender or social status.
Despite the progressive strides in education, gender expectations remained robust in early 20th-century America. These can also be explored in other works, such as The Awakening. At the time, it was still uncommon for a girl of Judy’s background to receive such an education, let alone attend university.
Personal Impact
Reading Daddy-Long-Legs brought back memories of other works I encountered at an early age, such as Little Women, Vanity Fair, David Copperfield, and Hamlet. I had already read these books by the time I graduated elementary school.
As a child, I remember being surprised by the revelation that Mr. Jervis was Judy’s benefactor. However, in hindsight, the clues were evident throughout the story. For example, his interest in literature, like taking the girls to see Macbeth, hinted at his identity. His actions, preventing Judy from spending the summer at Sally’s house, may have been motivated by a hint of jealousy towards Jimmy. Reading the book now, with full knowledge of the ending, I see all the signs I missed in my younger years. That plot twist left a lasting impression on me as a child.
As a young reader, the more English Literature I read, the more I want to learn English to read all this literature in English. I also thought about the possibilities that Education could open future options later in my life. Nothing is 100%; however, introducing a book like “Daddy-Long-Legs” can impact a young child.
References
Carlton, G. (2023, March 20). A History of Women in Higher Education | BestColleges. https://www.bestcolleges.com/news/analysis/2021/03/21/history-women-higher-education/
Women’s education in the United States. (2024, August 27). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_education_in_the_United_States