
Jean Webster, the pen name of Alice Jane Chandler Webster, was an American author celebrated for her engaging narratives featuring spirited young female protagonists. Her most notable works, including 'Daddy-Long-Legs' and 'Dear Enemy,' showcase her ability to blend humor with sharp social commentary, addressing themes of personal growth and societal expectations. Webster's characters often navigate the complexities of adolescence and adulthood, reflecting her keen observations of the world around her. Webster's writing is characterized by its lively dialogue and relatable characters, which resonated with readers of her time and continue to attract new audiences today. She was a pioneer in portraying the inner lives of young women, offering a fresh perspective in early 20th-century literature. Her legacy endures through her contributions to the genre of coming-of-age stories, influencing subsequent generations of writers and readers alike, and her works remain a testament to the evolving role of women in literature and society.
“It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh - I really think that requires spirit. It's the kind of character that I am going to develop. I am going to pretend that all life is just a game which I must play as skillfully and fairly as I can. If I lose, I am going to shrug my shoulders and laugh - also if I win.”
“Half of the time I don't know what they're talking about; their jokes seem to relate to a past that everyone but me has shared. I'm a foreigner in the world and I don't understand the language.”
“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.”