Overview: This biography tells the story of Daniel Webster, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a leading figure in American politics. I learn about his childhood, his struggles to secure an education, his early career as a teacher and lawyer, and finally his rise to prominence in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The text focuses on Webster’s dedication to education, his love of his family, and his unwavering commitment to the Union.
Main Parts:
- Chapter 1-7: Daniel’s childhood and early education, including his father’s influence, his love of reading, and his time at Exeter Academy and Dartmouth College.
- Chapter 8-17: Daniel’s early legal career, his decision to pursue law over a secure clerkship, and his initial years practicing in New Hampshire.
- Chapter 18-24: Daniel’s growing reputation as a lawyer in Portsmouth, his involvement in notable cases, and his eventual move to Boston.
- Chapter 25-29: Daniel’s rise to national prominence as an orator, his speeches at Plymouth and Bunker Hill, and his election to the U.S. Senate.
- Chapter 30-33: Daniel’s political battles, his famous speech in response to Hayne, his defense of the Union, and his trip to England where he receives honors.
- Chapter 34-38: Daniel’s service as Secretary of State, his life at Marshfield, his final speech in the Senate, and his legacy as a great statesman.
View on Life:
- Dedication to Family: Daniel shows deep love and commitment to his family, particularly his father and brother, prioritizing their well-being and making sacrifices for their education.
- Value of Education: Daniel understands that education is the key to advancement and a better life, even enduring hardship to gain one for himself and his brother.
- Importance of Hard Work: Daniel’s success is attributed to his persistent dedication to work and study, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
- Patriotism and Union: Daniel is deeply patriotic and committed to the Union, advocating for compromise and understanding in the face of growing tensions between North and South.
Scenarios:
- The Cotton Handkerchief: Daniel’s first encounter with the Constitution of the United States at a young age through a printed handkerchief, igniting his interest in government.
- The Fighting Cock: Daniel, passionate about fairness, purchases a rooster to challenge a bully, highlighting his character and competitive spirit.
- The Journey to Exeter: Judge Webster’s sacrifice to send Daniel to a prestigious school, showcasing his commitment to his son’s future.
- Daniel’s Declamation Struggle: Despite his later success as an orator, Daniel faces difficulties with public speaking in his youth, illustrating the importance of perseverance and overcoming self-doubt.
- The Conjurer’s Advice: Daniel encounters humorous advice to become a conjurer, demonstrating the importance of recognizing legitimate advice from well-qualified individuals.
- The Brotherly Sacrifice: Daniel and Ezekiel’s selfless support for each other’s education, showcasing the power of family bonds and shared goals.
- The Blacksmith’s Case: Daniel utilizes his legal knowledge to help an impoverished client, emphasizing the importance of dedication and fairness in the legal profession.
- Greenough’s Case: Daniel’s encounter with a former client who initially doubted his abilities, highlighting the importance of judging individuals by their character and potential rather than appearances.
- The Great Debate: Daniel’s famous speech in response to Hayne, a pivotal moment in American political history that defended the Union and confronted the dangers of nullification.
- The Seventh of March Speech: Daniel’s last great speech, a plea for compromise and unity, acknowledging the challenges of slavery but advocating for the preservation of the Union.
Challenges:
- Financial Hardship: Webster faces poverty throughout his youth and early career, requiring him to make sacrifices and prioritize his education.
- Self-Doubt: Webster struggles with his own insecurities, particularly when it comes to public speaking, but ultimately overcomes them through dedication and hard work.
- Moral Dilemmas: Webster faces difficult decisions, such as declining a lucrative clerkship to pursue his legal career and advocating for compromise despite popular dissent.
- Political Opposition: Webster encounters strong political opposition, particularly from proponents of nullification and slavery, but maintains his principles and defends the Union.
Conflict:
- The Nullification Doctrine: Webster confronts the dangerous doctrine of State supremacy, particularly championed by Col. Hayne and John C. Calhoun, arguing for the supremacy of the Constitution and the Union.
- Slavery: Webster wrestles with the issue of slavery and its impact on the Union, ultimately advocating for compromise and understanding while still acknowledging its inherent problems.
Plot:
- The Story Arc: This biography is a classic rags to riches story, showcasing Webster’s rise from a humble farm boy to a prominent lawyer and statesman. His journey is marked by hard work, determination, and a commitment to learning.
- Key Milestones:
- Webster’s early education and his father’s influence in shaping his values.
- Webster’s decision to pursue law, rejecting a comfortable clerkship.
- Webster’s rise to prominence as a lawyer in Portsmouth and later Boston.
- Webster’s service in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, where he defends the Union and engages in major political debates.
- Webster’s time as Secretary of State, negotiating crucial treaties with Great Britain.
- Webster’s lasting legacy as a great orator and statesman, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and inform.
Point of View:
- Third Person Narrative: The story is told from a third-person perspective, providing a comprehensive overview of Webster’s life and accomplishments. This approach allows for a balanced and objective presentation of his life.
How it’s Written:
- Formal and Descriptive: The text uses a formal and descriptive tone, providing detailed accounts of historical events and personal anecdotes.
- Example: “As Webster closed, Col. Benton turned to me and said, ‘That is the greatest speech upon so small a matter that I ever heard.’ Reverdy Johnson came up and said, ‘Now, don’t you abuse the Whigs any more.’ And Senator Breese said, ‘Now you can go back to the House. That speech saves us.’” (Chapter XXXII)
Tone:
- Respectful and Admirable: The author expresses admiration for Webster’s character, accomplishments, and unwavering commitment to the Union. The tone is respectful and avoids sensationalism.
Life Choices:
- Pursuing Education: Webster chooses to prioritize education over a comfortable life, recognizing its importance in achieving his goals.
- Choosing Law: Webster sacrifices potential financial security to pursue a legal career, showcasing his dedication to a challenging and honorable profession.
- Refusing the Clerkship: Webster demonstrates his commitment to independence and ambition by rejecting a secure government position, believing he can achieve greater success through his legal career.
- Relocating to Boston: Webster chooses to move to Boston for professional advancement, understanding that a larger platform will allow him to fully utilize his talents.
- Defending the Union: Webster consistently prioritizes the preservation of the Union over personal gain, advocating for compromise and understanding despite the political risks.
Lessons:
- The Power of Education: Webster’s life demonstrates the transformative power of education, showing how knowledge and learning can elevate individuals and shape a better future.
- Importance of Hard Work: Webster’s journey highlights the crucial role of hard work and perseverance in achieving success, even in the face of adversity.
- The Value of Family: Webster’s commitment to his family and his willingness to sacrifice for their well-being exemplifies the strength of family bonds and the importance of mutual support.
- Patriotism and the Union: Webster’s unwavering commitment to the Union serves as a reminder of the importance of national unity and the need to prioritize the common good over sectional interests.
- The Power of Words: Webster’s eloquence and persuasive abilities emphasize the importance of clear communication, strong arguments, and the ability to inspire and unite people.
Characters:
- Daniel Webster: A brilliant and ambitious young man with a deep love for learning and his family. His unwavering commitment to the Union and his eloquence as an orator make him a pivotal figure in American history.
- Ebenezer Webster: Daniel’s father, a stern but loving man who sacrifices greatly to provide his son with an education, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a love of country.
- Ezekiel Webster: Daniel’s older brother, a talented and supportive figure who also dedicates himself to education, though he remains overshadowed by his brother’s success.
- Christopher Gore: Daniel’s mentor and legal instructor, a respected Boston lawyer who recognizes his potential and guides him toward a successful legal career.
- Jeremiah Mason: A prominent New Hampshire lawyer who serves as a formidable opponent to Daniel in court, but also offers valuable guidance and mentorship.
- Robert G. Hayne: A skillful and charismatic senator from South Carolina who champions the doctrine of nullification, eventually facing defeat at the hands of Webster.
- John C. Calhoun: A powerful and influential senator from South Carolina, a proponent of nullification, and a strong advocate for the South, who often clashes with Webster.
- Henry Clay: A prominent Kentucky statesman and political rival to Webster, who, despite their disagreements, acknowledges Webster’s greatness.
- John Quincy Adams: A former president who becomes Webster’s colleague in the Senate, and, despite their past conflicts, Webster expresses support for his election.
Themes:
- The American Dream: Webster’s story embodies the idea of the American Dream—that through hard work and perseverance, individuals can overcome challenges and achieve success.
- Importance of Education: The text emphasizes the transformative power of education and its ability to elevate individuals and foster a better society.
- The Importance of the Union: The text highlights the importance of national unity and the dangers of sectionalism, emphasizing Webster’s commitment to preserving the Union.
- Power of Eloquence: Webster’s eloquence and his ability to persuade others through his speeches highlight the power of words and the importance of clear and compelling communication.
Principles:
- Constitutional Supremacy: Webster champions the principle of a strong central government and the supremacy of the Constitution over individual states.
- National Unity: Webster advocates for a united nation, recognizing that the strength and prosperity of the United States lie in its unity.
- Education as a Pathway to Progress: Webster’s life exemplifies the value of education as a means to improve oneself and contribute to societal advancement.
- Dedication to Public Service: Webster’s life is a testament to the importance of public service and the responsibility of citizens to contribute to the common good.
Intentions of the Characters or the Reader:
- Daniel Webster: To achieve success in law and politics, to honor his family, and to defend the Union.
- Ebenezer Webster: To provide his son with opportunities he himself lacked and ensure a brighter future for his family.
- The Reader: To understand the life and accomplishments of Daniel Webster, to appreciate the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in law and politics, and to gain insight into the history of the United States.
Unique Vocabulary:
- “Damage-feasant” (Chapter XII): A legal term meaning “doing damage” and used to refer to an animal that has caused harm to property.
- “Listing for the war” (Chapter XXIX): A phrase signifying a commitment to military service for the duration of a war.
- “The great deep” (Chapter XXXVI): A Biblical reference to the chaos of the primeval world, used metaphorically to describe the potential disruption of the Union.
- “The gorgeous ensign of the republic” (Chapter XXXVI): A poetic and patriotic term for the American flag, symbolizing national unity and strength.
Anecdotes:
- The Cotton Handkerchief: Daniel’s first encounter with the Constitution of the United States, a symbolic beginning to his lifelong dedication to the Union.
- The Fighting Cock: A story that reveals Webster’s commitment to fairness and his willingness to stand up for what he believes in.
- The Journey to Exeter: This anecdote showcases Webster’s father’s sacrifice to ensure his son’s education and his own commitment to Daniel’s future.
- The Conjurer’s Advice: A humorous story that highlights Webster’s ability to recognize good advice and his unwavering focus on a legitimate career path.
- The Blacksmith’s Case: Illustrates Webster’s commitment to helping those in need and his thoroughness in preparing for even the most seemingly insignificant cases.
- Greenough’s Case: A tale that reinforces the idea that individuals should be judged by their character and potential rather than appearances.
- Webster’s Response to Hayne: A dramatic story showcasing Webster’s calm composure and his ability to rise to the challenge in a crucial political moment.
Ideas:
- The Importance of Union: Webster consistently advocates for a strong Union, emphasizing the shared values and common interests of all Americans.
- Education as a Foundation: Webster believes that education is essential for individual advancement and societal progress, and he makes personal sacrifices to achieve it.
- The Power of Eloquence: Webster uses his persuasive abilities to defend his principles, advocate for the Union, and inspire others.
Facts and Findings:
- The Nullification Doctrine: This legal doctrine, championed by South Carolina, threatened the authority of the federal government and led to significant political tensions.
- The Importance of the Public Lands: Webster argues for a strong federal role in managing and distributing the public lands, emphasizing the need for national unity and progress.
- The Ashburton Treaty: A treaty negotiated by Webster as Secretary of State that resolved several outstanding border disputes with Great Britain.
Statistics:
- Webster’s Income: His income increased significantly after relocating to Boston, highlighting the rewards of his hard work and talent.
- The Population of Ohio: Webster’s speech in defense of New England highlights the significant contributions of the Eastern States in settling the West, with the population of Ohio exceeding a million by 1829.
Points of View:
- The Perspective of a Statesman: The text offers insights into Webster’s beliefs, actions, and motivations as a statesman, demonstrating his commitment to the Constitution, the Union, and the common good.
Perspective:
- The Power of Individual Achievement: Webster’s journey from a humble farm boy to a celebrated statesman demonstrates the potential for individual achievement in a democratic society.
- The Importance of Principles: Webster’s life reflects his unwavering commitment to principles of national unity, constitutional supremacy, and the pursuit of justice, highlighting the importance of upholding core values.
- The Legacy of a Great Statesman: The text underscores Webster’s lasting legacy as a powerful orator, a skilled lawyer, and a devoted patriot, whose contributions to American history continue to inspire and inform.