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 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
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.
Possible Motivations Behind the Destruction
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
La eliminación de estas cartas ha dejado, sin duda, lagunas en los registros históricos. Biógrafos y estudiosos de la literatura han lamentado con frecuencia esta pérdida, especulando sobre los posibles conocimientos acerca del desarrollo de los personajes de Jane Austen, sus inspiraciones narrativas y sus relaciones personales que se desvanecieron para siempre. Las cartas que han perdurado brindan vislumbres valiosos de su entorno, pero la amplitud total de sus pensamientos y experiencias sigue siendo incierta.
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.
