Jane Austen, renowned for her insightful portrayals of English society in the 1800s, wrote extensively to friends and family during her lifetime. Unfortunately, merely around 160 of these letters remain today. The scarcity of her correspondence is primarily attributed to her older sister, Cassandra Austen, who, following Jane’s passing, chose to burn a considerable number of their exchanged letters. This decision has sparked interest among researchers and fans alike, leading to debates about Cassandra’s reasons and the historical insights that were possibly lost.
The Strong Connection Between Siblings
The Close Bond Between Sisters
Born in 1773, Cassandra Austen was two years Jane’s senior. The sisters shared an exceptionally close relationship, often described as one of profound mutual affection and understanding. They were the only daughters among eight siblings and spent much of their lives together, supporting each other through personal and professional endeavors. Their surviving letters reveal a deep intimacy, filled with personal anecdotes, literary critiques, and reflections on daily life.
In the years after Jane passed away in 1817, Cassandra assumed the responsibility of examining their vast collection of letters. She meticulously burned many of them and altered others, cutting out parts she considered sensitive. This intentional editing has sparked discussion among historians. While some see it as an act of literary destruction, denying future generations important glimpses into Jane’s private life and creative journey, others see it as a protective measure meant to guard her sister’s privacy and protect family members from possible negative depictions.
In the years following Jane’s death in 1817, Cassandra took it upon herself to review their extensive correspondence. She systematically burned a large number of letters and edited others, removing sections she deemed sensitive. This deliberate curation has been a subject of debate among historians. Some view it as an act of literary vandalism, depriving posterity of valuable insights into Jane’s personal life and creative process. Others interpret it as a protective gesture, aimed at preserving her sister’s privacy and shielding family members from potentially unflattering portrayals.
Diversas hipótesis han sido sugeridas para comprender las acciones de Cassandra:
Several theories have been proposed to explain Cassandra’s actions:
- Protecting Jane’s Reputation: During the 19th century, societal norms placed a high value on personal privacy and decorum. Jane’s letters, known for their candidness and occasional sharp wit, might have contained remarks that could be misinterpreted or deemed inappropriate. By destroying them, Cassandra may have sought to maintain her sister’s image as a respectable and genteel woman.
- Preserving Family Privacy: The Austen family, like any other, had its share of personal matters and internal dynamics. The letters likely contained references to family issues, opinions on acquaintances, and other intimate details. Cassandra might have wished to prevent any potential embarrassment or misunderstandings that could arise from public scrutiny.
- Personal Grief and Catharsis: The loss of Jane was a profound blow to Cassandra. Engaging in the act of destroying the letters could have been a way for her to process her grief, allowing her to let go of the past and find closure.
Impact on Literary Scholarship
The destruction of these letters has undeniably left gaps in the historical record. Biographers and literary scholars have often lamented the loss, speculating on the potential insights into Jane Austen’s character development, narrative inspirations, and personal relationships that were irrevocably erased. The surviving letters offer invaluable glimpses into her world, but the full breadth of her thoughts and experiences remains obscured.
Reevaluating Cassandra’s Legacy
In recent years, there has been a shift towards a more empathetic understanding of Cassandra’s actions. Rather than viewing her solely as the executor of a significant literary loss, some scholars and writers have portrayed her as a devoted sister who played a crucial role in Jane’s life and legacy. For instance, contemporary novelist Gill Hornby explored Cassandra’s perspective in her work, shedding light on the complexities of her character and the possible reasons behind her decisions.
