For Cassandra, there is "no closer bond on this earth" than sisterhood. How is that relationship portrayed in Miss Austen?

For Cassandra, there is "no closer bond on this earth" than sisterhood. How is that relationship portrayed in Miss Austen? How does it differ from other forms of female friendship?

The protection she provided to Jane's story showed how strong a sisterly bond is. I feel a sisterly bond is stronger than a friendship bond and will withstand disagreements. Friendships sometimes end over a disagreement.

Cassie appeared to me to be so closely connected to her family and especially to Jane that had Tom not been lost during his journey away, something else would surely have happened to prevent her from marrying him. The Austens appeared to be very tightly bonded and Cassie and Jane were certainly so. When Cassie and Tom were visiting his family home and he spoke of where they might live after marriage, Cassie was obviously and deeply concerned. How could she be so far from her home and family. Again at Christmas, when Tom returns after a time at sea, Cassie spends time with his family and, at every turn, compares it to her own and finds it wanting. In fact, as they are celebrating at the Fowle homestead, Cassie is continually thinking about what must be going on at the Austen's at the same time. I was not surprised when there was to be no marriage. Now Cassie was available to help Jane continue in her quest as a writer, and Jane, likewise, was able to be the comforter of Cassie. They were best friends, understood one another too well, and were not meant to be separated.

I think the question is interesting because in asking it, the word "sisterhood" is used. In today's world that word is frequently used by women of all ages and ethnicities. There is a great deal of talk about the sisterhood in today's society and the wish for those within it to rise up, to achieve, to excel. I don't feel that blood sisters are necessarily more committed or bonded than sisters united by a cause. As friendships can be dissolved, so can family ties - and often they are in both cases. Cassie and Jane were soul mates to one another, and I believe this is a situation which may occur among women regardless of race, religion, age, or cause of connection.