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
The Close Bond Between Sisters
Cassandra’s Choice to Eliminate the Letters
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.
Potential Reasons for the Destruction
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.