Why is Cassy so protective of her (and Jane's) privacy? Do you feel similarly, or would you like to leave a record behind?

In Sidmouth, Cassy and Anna go hunting for fossils with Henry Hobday. For Cassy, the fossils are symbolic: "She would hate to be dug up and pored over some time in the future." Why is Cassy so protective of her (and Jane's) privacy? Do you feel similarly, or would you like to leave a record behind?

While I would very much like to leave a record behind, I would not want some of my most personal experiences laid bare for the world to make judgment in. I think most of us want to be remembered in a positive light. But, none of us are perfect and after we are dead we will not be able to defend ourselves if an action or deed seemed inappropriate. Cassandra was only doing what she thought best for protecting her sister. It was Cassandra’s one last gift for her sister and her last way of expressing her love for Jane.

I think it is important to look carefully at the strict rules of society and class that Jane and Cassandra were expected to follow at that time. Reputations could be destroyed by so many ridiculous (to us now) situations and your entire family could be brought down with you. The sisters knew these unwritten laws and Cassandra was doing what she had been taught was her duty to keep scandal away from the Austen family , in particular, her beloved sister, Jane. However, I have a feeling that Jane would have been much less likely to agonize over what she had written in her letters. Jane was an astute observer of the absurdities of society and I think she might have been fine with allowing her readers to get to know the real Jane.

I think it's natural (and a good thing) to protect one's privacy. I personally like to keep things private. In that time period, there was a lot at stake for a woman if she didn't follow 'proper rules'. Privacy was more important in that time period than now. I think it showed great sisterly repect.

Cassie and Jane were very close throughout their lives; in a sense, it seemed to me that Cassie relinquished her life - or at least arranged it - in ways that allowed Jane to continue her work. It would only seem fitting then that once all of her family has passed, she do all possible to keep protecting her in any way possible. It was natural for her - something she had done all her life - care for and look after others. In doing so, Cassie was also doing as writers above have stated, maintaining the rules of the society in which they lived. I particularly agree with Millicentg when she says she believes Jane would be less worried about the letters and what others may make of them. Throughout the novel I sensed Jane to be the more outspoken - she was the novelist after all - and she did not hide her beliefs or perceptions in life. I don't believe she would care a whit about others beliefs after her death. She said it all herself. With regard to my own life and a record, I choose to write it myself and am doing so now. I want my children and theirs to know how I felt about events and why I took actions that I did. I do not want another speaking for me or choosing my thoughts.