Exploring Jane Austen’s Letters in ‘Miss Austen’: A Feminist Perspective on Love and Vandalism

Miss Austen, a new BBC drama premiering on Sunday, tells the story of Cassandra Austen burning her sister Jane Austen’s letters, sparking much debate in literary circles. Keeley Hawes, who plays Cassandra in the series, believes that Cassandra’s actions were noble and a way to protect Jane’s legacy in a world where privacy is scarce.

The cast includes British stars like Jessica Hynes, Rose Leslie, Phyllis Logan, and Alfred Enoch. Adapted from Gill Hornby’s novel, the series offers a feminist perspective on the Austen sisters’ lives in a time when women had limited rights and independence.

Director Aisling Walsh and writer Andrea Gibb also emphasize the importance of sisterhood and loyalty in the series. They highlight the challenges faced by women in Jane Austen’s time and how the sisters stood out by pursuing their passions despite societal expectations.

The show aims to be a feminist piece that sheds light on the struggles women faced in the past. It premieres on BBC One in the UK and on Masterpiece on PBS in the US in May, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.



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