During Jane Austen’s time, letter writing was a vital way of passing news (gossip), declaring one’s feelings, and keeping in touch with loved ones. Jane weaves the act of letter writing into her novels to move the plot forward and to give further dimension to her characters.
**Spoiler Alert, if you’ve never read the books or you haven’t seen the movies don’t watch the clips. You can read the post but the clips will give it all away.**
Of course, the most famous is from Pride and Prejudice. Described by Caroline Bingley as one who writes “uncommonly fast” (although he denies it) Mr. Darcy does write often. In Chapter 10 we find the famous scene where Caroline is trying to flirt with Darcy, who’s having none of it, as he would rather have a misunderstanding with Eliza Bennett, as he writes to his sister Georgiana.
Then there is the famous letter of explanation, which reveals much of Darcy and the infamous Mr. Wickam.
Don’t forget the two rather humorous letters at the end, from Mr. Bennett to Mr. Collins and from Lydia to Elizabeth. Let’s just say Lizzie’s a lot nicer than I would be.
In Sense and Sensibility the characters exchange letters quite often. It is through a letter from Sir John Middleton that the ladies are able to get their cottage. Marianne writes letters to Willoughby at all hours of the night, Willoughby writes a letter to Marianne which we find short and to the point at least, and Lucy Steele’s letter to Edward Ferrars is given as well. Austen shows us just how much the written word has the power to break our hearts and set us free.
The only letters we find in Mansfield Park are near the end, when Fanny has been banished to her parent’s home. Edmund writes to her, and we are able to better understand his thoughts and feelings toward Mary Crawford, much to the distress of Fanny. Later on Mary herself writes to Fanny, giving more clues to her callous character than anyone would wish possible.
In Emma Miss Bates and her mother eagerly await their letters from Jane Fairfax for entertainment and news, and near the end there is a rather lengthy letter from Frank Churchill, giving an explanation for his behavior. I’m not sure if it counts as a letter but Harriet Smith receives a rather misleading letter from Mr. Elton. Whether the letter or Emma is the one who misleads is up to the reader/viewer to decide.
The only letter I know of in Northanger Abbey (correct me if I’m wrong) is to Catherine from her brother James, announcing some distressing news and urging Catherine to “beware how you give your heart – believe me.” Very good advice.
Finally, the letter we’ve all been waiting for, my favorite, the one in Persuasion. Yes, there’s another letter revealing more about Mr. Elliot’s character but no one cares. Not when the other letter finally arrives.
Happy Reading!
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