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Understanding Cassandra’s choice to erase Jane Austen’s correspondence

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 Burn the Letters

After Jane’s passing in 1817, Cassandra undertook the task of examining their voluminous correspondence. She methodically destroyed numerous letters and altered others, excising portions she considered sensitive. This intentional editing has sparked discussion among historians. Some consider it an act of literary destruction, denying future generations important insights into Jane’s private life and creative methods. Others see it as a protective act, intended to maintain her sister’s privacy and safeguard family members from possibly less favorable depictions.

Potential Reasons for the Destruction

Possible Motivations Behind the Destruction

Several theories have been proposed to explain Cassandra’s actions:

La eliminación de estas cartas ha dejado, sin duda, vacíos en el registro histórico. Biógrafos y estudiosos de la literatura a menudo han lamentado esta pérdida, especulando sobre las posibles revelaciones sobre el desarrollo de los personajes de Jane Austen, sus fuentes de inspiración y sus relaciones personales que se desvanecieron para siempre. Las cartas que aún existen brindan vislumbres invaluables de su mundo, pero la amplitud completa de sus pensamientos y experiencias sigue siendo desconocida.

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.

By Peter G. Killigang

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