Jane Austen’s vanished letters: A historical puzzle

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 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.

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

Potential Reasons for the Destruction

Diversas hipótesis han sido sugeridas para comprender las acciones de Cassandra:

1. Salvaguardar la Reputación de Jane: En el siglo XIX, las normas sociales valoraban enormemente la privacidad personal y la decencia. Las cartas de Jane, conocidas por su franqueza y ocasional agudo ingenio, podían haber incluido comentarios que se interpretaran mal o se consideraran inapropiados. Al destruirlas, Cassandra pudo haber intentado conservar la imagen de su hermana como una mujer respetable y refinada.
2. Proteger la Privacidad Familiar: La familia Austen, como cualquier otra, tenía sus asuntos personales y dinámicas internas. Las cartas probablemente contenían referencias a problemas familiares, opiniones sobre conocidos y otros detalles íntimos. Cassandra podría haber querido evitar cualquier posible vergüenza o malentendido que pudiera surgir del escrutinio público.
3. Duelo Personal y Catarsis: La pérdida de Jane fue un golpe significativo para Cassandra. La acción de destruir las cartas pudo haber sido una manera de procesar su dolor, permitiéndole dejar atrás el pasado y encontrar consuelo.

Influencia en la Investigación Literaria

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.