The Devil and Daniel Webster

Heroes are often remembered as larger than life. In "The Devil and Daniel Webster", Stephen Vincent Benet portrays “Dan’l” Webster as larger than life. In fact, Dan’l is portrayed as the biggest man in the country who is trusted right next to God Almighty (187). The essence of heroism is captured when a genuine American hero is re-created into a mythological superhero that puts his own soul at risk when he saves the soul …

…their heart. In the end, Dan’l wins for Jabez stone his freedom and makes the Devil put in writing that no New Hampshireman will be bothered by him again until doomsday (198-199). However, if you are ever tempted to sell your soul to the Devil, best remember the Devil does not play fair, never has, never will. If you still insist on selling though, better locate a Dan’l Webster first, just in case.