Unraveling Jane Austen’s 1817 Mysterious Death: Literature’s Great Enigma
Decades of intrigue surround the mysterious death of Jane Austen, one of literature’s most celebrated authors. Austen lived at 8 College Street in Winchester, England, during her final days. She passed away on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41, leaving behind a literary legacy and a complex medical history that continues to perplex scholars today.
Jane Austen’s Final Days
Austen resided with her sister, Cassandra, at the College Street location while seeking treatment for an unidentified illness that lasted nearly a year. Despite experiencing intermittent improvements, her health declined dramatically leading to her untimely demise without a definitive diagnosis.
The Medical Mystery
The exact cause of Austen’s death remains a topic of debate. Among several theories, Addison’s disease, stomach cancer, tuberculosis, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma have been proposed as possible diagnoses. Each of these conditions shares similar symptoms: fatigue, weight loss, and fevers.
- Addison’s Disease: This rare condition results from insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands. It has emerged as a popular theory among researchers examining Austen’s health.
- Stomach Cancer: Some scholars suggest cancer as a likely cause due to the nature of Austen’s symptoms.
- Tuberculosis: With a historical prevalence during Austen’s time, some researchers consider this a viable option.
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Another potential diagnosis suggested by some scholars, though evidence appears lacking.
Insights from Correspondence
Austen’s letters serve as a vital source of information regarding her health. Symptoms mentioned include joint pain, fatigue, fevers, and skin rashes. One notable observation was her description of feeling “black and white and every wrong color.”
Her health began to deteriorate significantly in the spring of 1816. By May 1817, she was referred to a surgeon in Winchester but reported to her nephew that she was “continuing to get better.” Unfortunately, her condition worsened rapidly in July.
The Events Leading to Her Death
Austen’s final moments were marked by a gradual decline. On July 15, 1817, she dictated her last poem before losing consciousness. Her sister Cassandra was by her side as she passed away peacefully in her sleep early on July 18.
Scholarly Research and Theories
Research into the cause of Austen’s death has escalated in recent years. Scholars continue to analyze her symptoms, including multidisciplinary studies that have proposed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a possible explanation. This autoimmune disease causes joint pain, skin changes, and fatigue, fitting the patterns observed in Austen’s letters.
Dr. Michael D. Sanders and Dr. Elizabeth Graham were notable figures in this research. They carefully cataloged every symptom mentioned in Austen’s correspondence and sought varying expert opinions. Their findings offer new insights but do not conclusively determine her illness.
Enduring Legacy
While the mystery of Jane Austen’s death persists, her influence in literature continues. Themes of illness and recovery are woven throughout her later works, including “Persuasion” and the unfinished “Sanditon.” Austen’s complex relationship with health, reflected in her writing, resonates with readers even today.
This exploration into her health not only provides clarity on her final days but enriches the understanding of her literary contributions. To many, Jane Austen remains more than an author; she is a profound companion in navigating life’s challenges. Ultimately, the cause of her death may forever remain one of literature’s great enigmas.
