The mystery of the burnt letters of Jane Austen: “It is as if I had lost a part of myself”
The figure of Jane Austenone of the most influential writers of the English language, is still involved in a halo of mystery. Although his novels, like Pride and prejudice and Wisdom and feelingsThey have transcended generations, much of their personal life remains in the gloom.
This enigma is largely due to a controversial act: the destruction of most of his letters by his older sister, Cassandra Austenafter the death of the author in 1817. This fact, which has baffled historians and biographers, is the central axis of the new miniseries Miss Austenbased on the homonymous novel of Gill Hornby.
The series, produced by Masterpiece for PBSwill premiere on May 4, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. Through four episodes, production explores the reasons behind Cassandra’s decision to burn her sister’s letters, an act that has been interpreted as much as an attempt to protect her legacy as A gesture of censorship.
The story takes place in two temporal lines: one in 1830, with Cassandra in its adulthood, and another decades before, when both sisters were young. This approach allows us to delve into the relationship between them and the events that marked their lives.
The relationship between Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra was deeply close. Both were the only daughters of a Hampshire cleric and shared much of their lives together.
As explained by BBCJane considered Cassandra her closest confidant, the first reader of her manuscripts and, possibly, a source of inspiration for some of her characters.
After Jane’s death, Cassandra expressed in a letter: “She was the sun of my life, which illuminated all pleasures, which relieved all sorrows. It is as if I had lost a part of myself. ”
This fraternal bond is one of the central themes of Miss Austen. The reimagine series to Cassandra as a kind of literary detective, determined to protect their sister’s memory.
In 1830, years after Jane’s death, Cassandra travels to the town of Kintbury, in Berkshire, with the purpose of recovering a package of cards that Jane had written to her friend Eliza Fowle. These letters, of falling into wrong hands, could damage the author’s reputation. Through flashbacks, the series shows the sisters sailing through the challenges of life, romances and family tensions.
Historically, it is estimated that Jane Austen wrote about 3,000 cards, of which Only around 160 survive. The majority were burned by Cassandra, who also censored the ones he decided to keep. This act has generated multiple theories about its motives.
Some suggest that Cassandra I was looking to protect the austen family from possible resentments or scandalssince the letters contained gossip, complaints about money and mentions of difficult relatives. Others believe that the letters were afraid misunderstood or criticized In the Victorian press, as happened with the letters of the novelist Frances Burney.
The author Gill Hornbywhose novel is based on the series, has its own theory on the subject. Cassandra could have acted to preserve the privacy of Jane, who published her works anonymously during her life and did not look for fame.
“Both sisters would be horrified by thinking that we knew their secrets,” said Hornby. In addition, he pointed out that the mystery around Jane’s life has contributed to the success of his legacy, providing him with a “Mysterious and quiet dignity.”
Beyond the literary mystery, Miss Austen It also addresses the limitations faced by single women in the 19th century; As Hornby explained, they had little control over their lives and depended economically on men. This theme, which is also present in Jane Austen’s novels, is reflected in the series through the history of Isabella Fowlea character who faces the eviction of his home after the death of his father.
Jane Austen’s appeal has not decreased over time. This year, in addition to Miss Austenthe BBC He has commissioned The other bennet sistera drama derived from Pride and prejudice focused on Mary Bennet’s character.
For its part, Netflix is working on a new adaptation of Pride and prejudice. In addition, a book entitled will be published Wild for Austen: A rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Legacywhich seeks to challenge Austen’s perception as a peaceful and smelling figure.
