***Content warning: This story contains mentions of child abuse and may be triggering to some readers***
It was a warm summer day in 1919 when Jerusha Abbott first walked through the gates of the John Grier Home, an orphanage that housed children ranging from infants to teenagers. Jerusha was eighteen years old and had spent her entire life in that orphanage. She had no family, no friends, and no prospects. That was until an anonymous benefactor provided her with the opportunity to attend college, under one condition. Jerusha must write monthly letters to her benefactor, who signed their letters simply as Daddy-Long-Legs.
Jerusha, who had spent her entire life in a regulated and poverty-stricken environment, was thrilled at the prospect of attending college. However, she was also apprehensive about her future and the identity of her wealth benefactor. She had so many questions, but Daddy-Long-Legs would never reveal their identity. She was excited and overwhelmed but ready for a new chapter in her life.
Jerusha’s first few weeks at college were tough. She felt out of place among her wealthier peers, and her meager lifestyle made it difficult to fit in. Jerusha was determined to make the most of her opportunities and worked hard to succeed academically. She spent most of her time in the library, studying and working on her assignments.
One day, Jerusha met Jervis Pendleton, a young man from an upper-class family. Jerusha was smitten with him at first sight, and, as luck would have it, he turned out to be one of her teachers. She did not initially reveal that she was the beneficiary of Daddy-Long-Legs’ financial aid. Her interactions with Jervis became more frequent as he mentored her academic progress. Jerusha’s character and sharp wit kept Jervis on his toes. They formed a friendship that slowly turned into romantic interest.
During an outing, Jervis expressed his love for Jerusha, which she was hesitant to accept due to their class differences, but eventually succumbed to. As their relationship progressed, Jerusha’s letters to Daddy-Long-Legs became more infrequent, as she was increasingly preoccupied with her romance with Jervis. She, however, did not reveal her relationship status to him.
One day, Jervis presented Jerusha with a marriage proposal, which she accepted. Jerusha had her doubts about whether she would fit into his social circle, but her love for him overshadowed her doubts.
On the day of their wedding, Jerusha, who was getting ready, overheard Jervis and his friend talking about Daddy-Long-Legs being a childhood nickname used by Jervis. She was stunned, realizing that her husband was her benefactor all along. Jerusha was hurt that Jervis hadn’t trusted her enough to reveal the truth, but her love for him overshadowed this betrayal.
As the newlyweds explored the world of the upper class, Jerusha experienced the conventions of the social hierarchy that she had only read about. The isolation and loneliness, which she thought she left behind in the orphanage, began to resurface. She struggled to fit in and maintain her identity while navigating this new world.
Jerusha’s perspective on life was upended when she witnessed the abuse of a poor child in the slums by her wealthy neighbor. Through this, Jerusha realized that her privileged life afforded her an opportunity to be a voice for the voiceless. She relentlessly pursued social justice causes, speaking at rallies, and giving back to those without a voice.
Jerusha and Jervis’ marriage had its ups and downs, but their love for each other remained unwavering. They eventually had two children and supported each other in their life pursuits. Jerusha never forgot her roots and, through Daddy-Long-Legs’s generosity, ensured that others got the same opportunities she did. In the end, she realized that Daddy-Long-Legs had bestowed on her an even greater gift than the opportunity to attend college – he had given her her voice.
The novel’s themes include love, class distinction, and the empowerment of women. Jerusha’s journey to self-realization and coming to grips with the conventions of social classes provides an excellent backdrop for analyzing social issues. The romance between Jerusha and Jervis highlights the power of love and how it can overcome class boundaries.
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