Depression
Posted by Cheryl on March 22, 1998 at 19:50:00:
In response to why write ANOTHER biography?, written by Kate on March 22, 1998 at 08:58:25
] She said that when she considered all the evidence avaialable, she felt that one explanation was that Jane became depressed, partly as a result of leaving Steventon and all that was known and familiar, and partly by all the deaths. This, together with the change in circumstances which made it impossible for her to have peace, quiet and control over her working time and space, meant that she simply could not write.
] For Tomalin, I think, chapter 16 is a key chapter, because for her it is the core of her theory about Jane's life, and is what she feel she has to say which is new.
It is an interesting supposition, and I'm looking forward to reading the next few chapters which covers this period of her life. The 3 1/2 yr gap in the letters is also intriguing, and one wonders if they were destroyed by Cassandra or even written-- and what was in them? Jane's mother survived her by 10 yrs, I can't help but wonder if Cassandra was trying to spare her from Jane's acid tongue...
] I must say I certainly found the story of the move very depressing - just to be told that everything will change, that you will move from a loved home to a disliked city, with no permanent place to live, and constantly moving around.... Jane was at the mercy of her family and there was nothing she could do to change her situation.
It is a very moving chapter, one can feel Jane's distress watching her home being sold off in pieces or appropiated by the James Austens-- reminds me of Fanny Dashwood checking the silver. I say "Good for her" when she refused to give away her cabinet when it had been "suggested" that she do so!
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