Jane Austen, renowned for her sharp insights into 19th-century English culture, was an avid letter writer during her lifetime. Yet, merely around 160 of her letters remain today. This scarcity is mostly attributed to her older sister, Cassandra Austen, who burned a large number of their letters following Jane’s passing. This decision has captivated both scholars and enthusiasts, sparking debates about Cassandra’s reasons and the knowledge that may have vanished with those letters.
The Strong Connection Between Sisters
Cassandra Austen, born in 1773, was older than Jane by two years. The two shared a remarkably close bond, frequently characterized by deep mutual love and comprehension. As the sole daughters in a family of eight children, they shared much of their lives, offering each other support in both personal matters and professional pursuits. The letters that survive between them illustrate a profound closeness, rich with personal stories, literary discussions, and musings on everyday happenings.
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.
Cassandra’s Decision to Destroy the Letters
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.
Se han sugerido varias teorías para explicar 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
Reconsiderando el Legado de Cassandra
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.
