The Devil and Daniel Webster

Based on real events from the life of a prominent American lawyer, Daniel Webster, this short story explores themes of patriotism, slavery, and Hell as the fictionalised Webster attempts to save a man’s soul from the Devil.

First published in 1936, The Devil and Daniel Webster was written by Stephen Vincent Benét. An allegorical exploration of what it means to be American, the short story plays on real events. It utilises fictionalised versions of real people in US history to explore the country’s obsession with freedom and independence.

Daniel Webster (1782–1852) was a prominent lawyer in the nineteenth century, arguing over 200 cases before the Supreme Court. In this short story, he attempts to save a man’s soul and puts his persuasive powers to the test against the harshest judge of all: the Devil.