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 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.
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
Se han sugerido varias teorías para explicar las acciones de Cassandra:
- Salvaguardar la Reputación de Jane: Durante el siglo XIX, las normas sociales valorizaban mucho la privacidad personal y la corrección. Las cartas de Jane, conocidas por su franqueza y a veces agudo ingenio, podían haber tenido comentarios que se malinterpretaran o consideraran inadecuados. Al destruirlas, Cassandra pudo haber querido mantener la imagen de su hermana como una mujer respetable y amable.
- Mantener la Privacidad Familiar: La familia Austen, como cualquier otra, tenía sus asuntos personales y dinámicas internas. Las cartas probablemente incluían menciones a problemas familiares, opiniones sobre conocidos y otros detalles íntimos. Cassandra pudo haber querido evitar cualquier posible vergüenza o malentendidos que pudieran surgir de un escrutinio público.
- Duelo Personal y Catarsis: La pérdida de Jane fue un golpe profundo para Cassandra. Llevar a cabo la destrucción de las cartas pudo haber sido una forma de procesar su dolor, permitiéndole dejar atrás el pasado y encontrar cierre.
Repercusiones en el Estudio Literario
- 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.
