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
Cassandra Austen, born in 1773, was older than Jane by two years. The sisters had a remarkably close bond, frequently characterized by deep mutual love and comprehension. As the only daughters in a family of eight children, they spent a significant portion of their lives side by side, assisting one another in both personal and career-related pursuits. The letters that remain showcase their close relationship, brimming with personal stories, critiques of literature, and musings on everyday experiences.
Cassandra’s Choice to Eliminate the Letters
Cassandra’s Decision to Destroy the Letters
Potential Reasons for the Destruction
Possible Motivations Behind the Destruction
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.
