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What are some symbols in "The Devil and Daniel Webster" by Stephen Vincent Benet?
Quick answer:
In "The Devil and Daniel Webster," several symbols are prominent. Jabez Stone's name, meaning "pain" or "sorrow," symbolizes the unnaturalness and wrongness of selling one's soul. Daniel Webster's agreement to argue the case in court represents his stature and willingness to tackle complex issues. The challenge against the Devil's contract symbolizes the American ideal of redemption and the opportunity for a fresh start.
There are several symbols in "The Devil and Daniel Webster." Start with some of the most central. "Jabez" means "pain" or "sorrow." That means that this man who sold his soul is a stone of pain, or a stone who can hurt—an unnatural thing that marks how wrong this is. The fact that Webster agrees to take the case, and the fact that it is argued in a court of law symbolizes the man's stature, and his willingness to tackle complicated cases. The whole idea of challenging a contract with the Devil is essentially a claim that people should be able to start over…a symbol of America.
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