Jane Austen, the writer of literary masterpieces like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, died in 1817 at the age of 41. For over two centuries, the cause of her untimely death has been the topic of controversy and speculation.
Although contemporaries had attributed her death to Addison’s disease or Hodgkin’s lymphoma, fresh speculations suggest sinister reasons, including arsenic poisoning.
Here, we will discuss the various theories surrounding Austen’s death, examining medical practices of the regency era and modern investigative techniques and medical tests in a bid to untangle the mystery surrounding her death.
Who Was Jane Austen?
Jane Austen was a hugely influential English author who introduced the world to sharp intelligence, social commentary, and highly human characters. Born in Hampshire, England, in 1775, Austen wrote six well-known novels, including Northanger Abbey, Emma, and Persuasion, that explored the subjects of class, marriage, and morals with remarkable insight. Her novels were not widely praised in her time, but were immensely popular when she passed away. Now, her literary heritage continues to influence contemporary narration.
The Last Days of Jane Austen
In the spring of 1817, Jane Austen’s health declined quickly. She complained of fatigue and back pain, and she reportedly had some skin discoloration. In spite of medical treatment, she grew progressively worse until she died on July 18, 1817. Her brother Henry believed she died from Addison’s disease, a judgment based on symptoms, although medical knowledge at the time was limited.
Medical Misdiagnosis in the 19th Century
Medical diagnosis in the early 1800s was rudimentary at best. Many ailments and diseases, such as Addison’s and Hodgkin’s, were not well understood, and misdiagnosis was more common than not. Austen’s symptoms could have been caused by a variety of conditions, such as lupus or tuberculosis, highlighting the challenges physicians faced in accurately diagnosing illnesses.
The Mystery of “Consumption”
In the early 19th century, “consumption” was a frequent diagnosis for persistent, wasting diseases. Today, we know it as tuberculosis. However, in Austen’s era, the disease was widespread and cut across all social classes. So it’s no surprise that when Jane Austen died, the official cause of death was listed as consumption. There was no autopsy, and family members were cryptic in their reports, leaving the topic open for speculation and controversy.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—A Modern Medical View
However, as time has passed and medicine has advanced, contemporary medical historians now favor Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Austen’s recurring fevers, growing weakness, and periodic symptoms are in line with this diagnosis. Further, medical experts suggest lymphoma is more consistent with her gradual decline than Addison’s disease.
The Addison’s Disease Theory
In 1964, physician Zachary Cope proposed that Austen had Addison’s disease, a rare adrenal disease that induces fatigue, weight loss, and skin discoloration. While the diagnosis explained some of the symptoms, later researchers noted that Addison’s, especially the tubercular form, usually causes rapid death, but Austen lived with her illness for over a year.
The Arsenic Hypothesis
During Austen’s era, arsenic was used medicinally to treat various illnesses. In 2011, the British Library tested three pairs of Austen’s glasses and found varying strengths of lenses, which suggested failing eyesight. This sparked speculation of arsenic poisoning because prolonged exposure leads to blindness. Since it was commonly used in medicines and cosmetics, it is possible that Austin was poisoned accidentally while seeking treatment.
Lupus—The Autoimmune Theory
Another new theory is systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease. In 2022, Dr Michael Sanders and co-author Elizabeth Graham studied Austen’s surviving letters in which she describes symptoms, such as rheumatism-like joint pain and a peculiar facial rash. Lupus can cause fatigue, joint pain, skin alterations, and organ damage. Further, this theory explains her intermittent fevers and fluctuating illness.
The Enduring Mystery
Despite numerous theories, the reason for Jane Austen’s death remains a mystery. Advances in medical science have provided possible reasons, but in the absence of solid evidence, the mystery remains unsolved. Austen’s own work continues to captivate readers, and the nature of her death provides an intriguing twist to her own enduring story.
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