The Emotional and Intellectual Bond Between Jane Austen and Her Sister
Jane Austen’s relationship with her elder sister, Cassandra, was one of the most significant in her life. Their bond was not only emotional but also intellectual, shaping both their personal lives and the literary legacy they left behind. This connection is now being highlighted through a rare letter Austen wrote to Cassandra, which is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York.
The letter, described as “chatty” and filled with personal reflections, offers a glimpse into Austen’s daily life and thoughts. It was written during a period of transition for the Austen family, shortly after the death of Jane’s father. In it, she reflects on how their social circles had changed and expresses feelings of being “reduced” in status. This letter is expected to fetch up to $400,000 at the auction, underscoring its historical and sentimental value.
A Deep Connection That Shaped Austen’s Life
The sisters were exceptionally close, so much so that their mother once remarked that if Cassandra’s head were to be cut off, Jane would have hers cut off too. This level of devotion is evident in the letters they exchanged, which often included gossip, personal musings, and reflections on their shared experiences.
Kalika Sands, Sotheby’s Head of Books and Manuscripts New York, emphasized the “incredibly close emotional bond” and “very strong intellectual bond” between the two women. Their relationship influenced Austen’s writing, with sisterly dynamics appearing frequently in her novels. Characters like Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, or Elizabeth Bennet and her four sisters, reflect the complex interplay of sibling relationships that Austen herself experienced.
The Legacy of Sisterhood in Austen’s Work
Austen’s novels are often seen as explorations of economics and survival, but they also highlight the importance of female alliances. Sisters and other female characters serve as confidantes, providing support and guidance in a society where women’s roles were largely defined by marriage and social standing.
Cassandra played a crucial role in preserving Austen’s legacy. She was the only person to paint a portrait of Austen during her lifetime and later destroyed many of her sister’s letters after her death. Only 161 of the approximately 3,000 letters Austen wrote have survived, making this particular letter even more valuable.
The Broader Significance of the Auction
This letter is just one of several items from Austen’s estate set to be auctioned. Other notable pieces include a copy of “Emma” that Austen sent to fellow writer Maria Edgeworth, which is expected to sell for up to $350,000. Another item is a short poem from 1811 that satirizes medical practices of the time, estimated to fetch up to $150,000.
The auction, scheduled to take place online from October 1 to October 15, features a range of Austen memorabilia, with the combined estimated value of all lots reaching $1.3 million. These items offer a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of one of literature’s most beloved authors.
The Impact of Sisterhood on Historical Understanding
The destruction of many of Austen’s letters by Cassandra raises questions about how we understand historical figures. While it has made Austen an elusive figure, Sands suggests that Cassandra’s actions may have been a protective gesture, preserving her sister’s legacy rather than exposing private struggles.
This letter, however, provides a rare and intimate look into Austen’s life, revealing the depth of her relationship with Cassandra and the emotional challenges she faced. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of sisterhood and the ways in which personal connections can shape both individual lives and cultural legacies.
