Jane Austen’s Family: Siblings and Their Impact

Jane Austen, one of the most beloved authors of the English language, was part of a large and close-knit family of eight: seven brothers and a sister. Despite the challenges and failures faced by some of her siblings, her family played a significant role in shaping her life and her works. Let's explore the brothers and sister who were Jane Austen’s closest companions and confidants.

The Siblings of Jane Austen

1. James Austen

James Austen, the eldest, was born on 25 December 1765 in Steventon. He became a clergyman like their father, following in the footsteps of both his brother Henry and his father. However, he eventually came to live apart from the family due to some disabilities, possibly deafness and/or mental illness, which has been speculated but not definitively proven.

2. Edward Austen

Edward was born on 23 July 1768 and was adopted by the wealthy Knights family. Despite the distance from his birth family, he remained close to his roots and continued to maintain a connection with the Austen family throughout his life. This close relationship often featured in Austen's letters and reflections.

3. Henry Austen

Henry, the third and eldest son of the sisters, was born on 25 January 1771. He initially chose a career in banking but later, like his brothers James and Henry III, he became a clergyman. His close relationship with Jane and her admiration for him are evident in her letters, which often reveal his influence on her writing and life.

4. Cassandra Austen

Cassandra, Jane's older sister by five years, was born on 23 December 1773. She was Jane's closest companion and confidant. Their bond was so strong that Cassandra assisted Jane in counting, replying to letters, and reading and editing her manuscripts. It was Cassandra who adhered to Jane's final wishes and ensured her work was published upon her death.

5. Francis Austen

Francis was the fifth son, born on 11 May 1774. He followed his older brother Henry into the military, eventually joining the Navy as a naval officer. In many ways, Cassandra was his best friend and confidant as well, maintaining a close relationship with him despite the demands of his career and duty at sea.

6. George Austen

George was the youngest son and was born on 6 October 1779. He is remembered for being deaf and disabled and raised elsewhere. This separation from the immediate family was a stark contrast to the tight-knit nature of the family, causing both concern and emotional distance.

7. Charles Austen

Charles, the youngest of the siblings, was born on 6 January 1786. Like his older brother Francis, Charles also chose a career in the navy, following in the footsteps of the Austen brothers. The two maintained a close and supportive relationship, sharing the experiences and challenges of military life.

The Impact of the Siblings on Jane Austen’s Life

The eight members of the Austen family were not just blood relatives; they were companions, confidants, and a support network for Jane Austen throughout her life. Cassandra, specifically, played an instrumental role in Jane's life, acting as her sister, editor, and confidant. Their mutual love for each other and shared understanding of family dynamics is evident in their letters and papers.

For instance, Cassandra was the only person who knew Jane's true feelings for Tom Lefroy and the heartbreak that followed his engagement to Lucy Austen. This incident is not only poignantly detailed in Cassandra's letters but also heavily influenced Austen's later work. The sisters' relationship was so strong that they sometimes referred to each other as 'CJ' and 'JA,' indicating their intimate bond.

Another notable point to consider is the influence of the Austen brothers on Jane's work. Each brother's career and experiences provided a rich tapestry of characters and settings for Jane's novels. Henry's career in banking and his clerical pursuits, for instance, provided insight into the financial workings of the time and were reflected in Austen's descriptions of different economic situations in her novels. Similarly, the military careers of James, Francis, and George offered dramatic settings and characters that shaped the plots and themes in Austen's novels and provided a deeper understanding of the Georgian society.

Conclusion

The siblings of Jane Austen were far more than just members of her family; they were the core of her life and her work. From the challenges faced by some to the close relationships that inspired her, Jane's brothers and sister played a crucial role in her life and success. Their influence is not only found in her letters but also in the intricate web of relationships and societal dynamics that she portrayed so vividly in her novels.